Informed consent procedures: an experimental test using a virtual character in a dialog systems training application.

Researchers are generally trained to administer informed consent by studying approved guidelines, but still can fail to satisfactorily answer questions from potential participants. An application using a virtual character allowed novice participants to practice administering informed consent. This character was designed to behave as a potential participant for a study and asked many of the questions research participants typically ask, such as queries about the study itself, the sponsor, timing, selection procedures, confidentiality, voluntariness, benefits and risks, and contact information.