[The impact of a verbal consent form on the participation rate in a telephone survey].

Objective: To assess the impact of a consent form on the participation rate in a telephone survey about gambling and money.

Method: Four different consent forms were tested. The first consent form globally met the academic ethics committee requirements, while the second and third forms excluded some elements. Finally, the fourth form was similar to the introduction generally used by private survey firms.

Results: Even when the consent form required by academic ethics committees was shortened, the private firm introduction led to the best participation rate. However, participants who received the private firm introduction indicated that they wished they had been better informed before the interview started.

Conclusion: The discussion highlights the delicate situation of academic research wishing to meet ethics requirements as well as conduct valid and representative research.