David Is Concerned About How Long He Should Keep the Consent

Multiple Choice

David is concerned about how long he should keep the consent forms from a completed study. The participants from this study have left the university and taken jobs all over the country. Many do not even remember taking part in the study. His professor tells him to keep the consent forms for at least 7 years. The university policy is for the consent forms to be kept for 6 years after the end of the study. On the other hand, the APA states that he should keep the consent forms for at least 5 years post-publication. David does not think that data from this study is publishable. What is the minimum acceptable duration that he should keep the consent forms for?

A) 5 years
B) 6 years
C) 7 years
D) Indefinitely