PsyD and PhD Interview Practice Test

Understanding assent and guardian consent in research with minors centers on respect for developing autonomy and obtaining guardian permission. When a minor is capable of understanding the study, you should seek their assent in addition to guardian consent, and you should adapt the information you present to the minor’s age and comprehension so they can make a voluntary, informed choice. Guardian consent is required to authorize the minor’s participation, and assent complements that by honoring the minor’s willingness. This combination is why the statement that assent should be obtained from capable minors when appropriate, with guardian consent and adapted materials, is correct. The other options miss key points: assent is not never necessary, guardians alone do not address the minor’s perspective, and assent should be obtained before participation, not after data collection.