From: An integrated conceptual framework for evaluating and improving ‘understanding’ in informed consent
Types of ‘understanding’ | Description | Exemplary methods of assessment |
---|---|---|
Objective understanding | Correct knowledge of certain facts after having read IC documents | Knowledge or memory tests by means of (1) standardized questionnaires or interviews, or (2) by asking participants to rephrase facts in their own words |
Subjective understanding | Subjective impression of having understood certain facts after reading IC documents | Open question, e.g., “Do you think you have understood the given information? If not, what were the text passages you find difficult to understand?” |
General understandability | Personal impression of whether the given information is in principle easy to understand for others, e.g., members of the target group | Open question, e.g., “How easy do you think will it be for others to understand the given information?” |