A dispensing device and method of operating said device for use in studying a consumable unit used by a clinical study participant are provided. The device comprises a housing with a delivery aperture and a compartment configured to store an unconsumed consumable unit therein. The device further includes a dispensing mechanism located within the housing, configured to release the stored unconsumed consumable unit to the clinical study participant via the delivery aperture upon verifying the identity of the clinical study participant, and a controller configured to interface with the dispensing mechanism and the user input device. A user input device, configured to receive input from the clinical study participant corresponding to identification information relating to the clinical study participant, is also included and is further configured to receive input from the clinical study participant in response to one or more questionnaires relating to consumption of the consumable unit.
