Table 2A:
Perceptions of Researchers Regarding the Consenting Process in Older Adults.(Row Percentages)
| Strongly Disagree 1 | Disagree 2 | Neutral 3 | Agree 4 | Strongly Agree 5 | Averagea | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Older adults in general have more difficulties in the consenting process compared to younger ages. | 0.8 | 39.2 | 8 | 48.8 | 3.2 | 3.14 |
| With aging, various physical changes can affect the process of informed consent. | 0 | 16.4 | 7.6 | 66.8 | 9.2 | 3.69 |
| Older adults may be suspicious of research because of feelings of vulnerability or previous experiences. | 0 | 26.4 | 34 | 33.6 | 6 | 3.19 |
| Older adults can be suspicious regarding the motives of the researcher. | 0.4 | 24 | 36.4 | 35.2 | 4 | 3.18 |
| Obtaining verbal consent is less stressful than signing the written forms. | 0.8 | 6 | 7.2 | 47.6 | 38.4 | 4.17 |
| Many older adults have difficulties in understanding their right to refuse. | 0.8 | 24 | 20 | 48 | 7.2 | 3.37 |
| Older adults often have concerns about confidentiality of information and anonymity. | 1.2 | 30 | 36.8 | 28.8 | 3.2 | 3.03 |
| Older adults often see their autonomy threatened when researchers often look to caregivers for informed consent. | 0.8 | 24 | 40.8 | 30.4 | 4 | 3.13 |
a
The average score for each perception was calculated by adding up each agreement level (1 to 5) multiplied by the respondent percentage for each level.