What is required before using a student's data for research activities?

Before using a student's data for research activities, obtaining written consent from parents is essential to ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards. This requirement stems from regulations such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy of student education records. In many cases, minors are considered unable to give informed consent on their own, making parental or guardian consent crucial to proceed with the research.

Additionally, written consent provides a tangible record that the necessary permissions have been obtained, helping to protect the rights of the student and their family. This practice also reassures parents that their child’s privacy and personal information are being respected and safeguarded during research endeavors.

While verbal consent and school authority approval may be part of the broader process, they do not meet the legal requirements as comprehensively as written parental consent does. Similarly, using anonymous data does not exempt the researcher from seeking the appropriate permissions, especially when the data could still be linked back to the students in question.