What is the difference between consent and assent?

Answer

Consent is a process by which a participant or legal guardian voluntarily confirms his or her willingness to participate in a particular research project, after having been informed of all aspects of the research that are relevant to the subject's decision to participate.  Consent may be given only by someone who is legally able to provide consent.  When the participant is a child under the age of 18, the parent or legal guardian provides parental permission, which is the consent for that participant.

Assent is an agreement by an individual not competent to give legally-valid informed consent (e.g., a child aged 7-17 or cognitively-impaired person) to participate in research.  Please review the Research Guidance Document on Assent for more information about requirements, etc.