Participant Bill of Rights launched by Insights Association

The Participant Bill of Rights aims to set out a foundational framework outlining the 16 rights participants should expect in market research studies.

The rights included span the right to clear communication, privacy, fair treatment and freedom from harassment.

The Insights Association said that the rights aim to improve the research experience for participants, and bolster data quality and reliability.

Market researchers are being encouraged to communicate these rights to participants prior to focus group sessions, and by noting them prominently on company websites, in survey footers, in emails and in research communities, as well as including them in staff training and relaying the principles to clients.

Key themes in the Participant Bill of Rights include transparency over the purpose of a study and how data is used, privacy protection, equity and respect and clear communication of the risks and benefits of a research project to allow informed consent.

The Participant Bill of Rights are accompanied by a report setting out the role participants play in insight, setting out key considerations for implementing the bill of rights, such as minimising survey fatigue, ensuring accessibility and offering fair incentives.

The creation of the Participants Bill of Rights has been led by 10K Humans’ Kerry Hecht, and created through collaboration between the Insights Association’s Council for Data Integrity and the insights and analytics industry via several public feedback sessions.

Following its publication, the Insights Association is calling for all stakeholders to implement the Participant Bill of Rights in their practices.

Melanie Courtright, chief executive officer at the Insights Association, said: “The Participant Bill of Rights, comprised of 16 fundamental rights people should expect when participating in a research study, is a call to action for the entire insights and analytics community.

“By committing to these standards, we can build a culture of trust that benefits participants and researchers alike.”

Shannon Danzy, senior director of research strategy at the Insights Association, said: “We’re so thankful to the many volunteers and contributors from across the profession who shared their expertise and good sense in bringing this essential initiative to fruition.

“The work is far from over, however. To have real impact, the entire profession must embrace the tenets outlined here and incorporate them across each project and interaction.”