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There are certain types of studies in which some of the elements of consent can be waived. These include, but are not limited to, certain types of ethnographic research, and studies that require deception. For example:
In a minimal risk study involving playing a computer game to test subjects' responses to differential pay-offs or reinforcements, the investigator might indicate in the Informed Consent Document that the purpose of the study is to test reaction time. This deception may be necessary because the study would be compromised if subjects were told the true purpose. In this scenario, one of the basic elements of consent -- the purpose of the study -- could be waived by the IRB chair, and not included in the Informed Consent Document.