A graduate student receives a mailed survey packet asking the student to participate in research about unpleasant experiences in graduate school. The student is asked to return the survey, with the statement, "Return of this instrument implies consent." Why does this constitute consent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Not returning the survey constitutes refusal, which implies that returning the completed survey is a form of consent. This method allows participants to express their willingness to participate in the research by actively choosing to return the survey.

A Graduate Student Receives a Mailed Survey Packet Asking the Student