Non-inclusive language in human subjects questionnaires: addressing racial, ethnic, heteronormative, and gender bias.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Questionnaires for research that involve diverse populations require inclusive language. There are few guidelines to assist researchers in minimizing social and cultural biases in data collection materials; such biases can result in harm and negatively impact data integrity.

Methods

We describe an approach to evaluating language in data collection forms reflecting racial, ethnic, heteronormative, and gender bias using the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO)-wide Cohort Study (EWC) as a case study. The 245 data collection forms were used by 69 cohorts in the first seven years of the (ECHO)-wide Cohort Study (EWC). A diverse panel of reviewers (n = 5) rated all forms; each form also was rated by a second student. Items identified as reflecting b

SUBMITTER: Hernandez I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12577174 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature