Consent Form for Participation in a Research Study University of Massachusetts Amherst
R Researcher(s): Michelle “Shelley” Errington Nicholson, Doctoral Candidate; Kathryn
McDermott, Faculty Advisor, Dissertation Chair
Title: Locating Safe Spaces for Food Insecure Female Community College Students
1.WHATISTHISFORM?
This form is called a Consent Form. It will give you information about the study so you can make an informed decision about participation in this research.
This consent form will give you the information you will need to understand why this study is being done and why you are being invited to participate. It will also describe what you will need to do to participate and any known risks, inconveniences or
discomforts that you may have while participating. We encourage you to take some time to think this over and ask questions now and at any other time. If you decide to
participate, you will be asked to sign this form and you will be given a copy for your records.
2.WHOISELIGIBLETOPARTICIPATE?
This study is open to currently enrolled Mount Wachusett Community College students. Subjects must be at least 18 years old to participate.
3.WHATISTHEPURPOSEOFTHISSTUDY?
The purpose of this study is to explore how students at a small rural community college navigate food insecurity. Specifically, the problem to be addressed is how community college students identify and utilize safe spaces on campus to disclose food insecurity.
4.WHEREWILLTHESTUDYTAKEPLACEANDHOWLONGWILLITLAST?
This study will be conducted at Mount Wachusett Community College and consist of two sets of 60 minute interviews over the period of six months. Following the second interview, participants may be contacted to review interview transcripts to answer clarifying questions.
5.WHATWILLIBEASKEDTODO?
There are three parts to the research study. The first part was a pre-screening survey which you have already completed. The next phase of the study entails an interview where you will be asked to answer questions pertaining to resources on campus and food insecurity. The final phase is providing photographs of spaces on campus (if you wish to take any) and answering follow up questions during a second interview session. During both interview sessions you may skip any question you feel uncomfortable in answering. You may also decline to take photos between the two interviews.
6.WHATAREMYBENEFITSOFBEINGINTHISSTUDY?
You may not directly benefit from this research; however, we hope that your participation in the study may aid the researcher in understanding how resources are obtained for food insecure students to inform future practice.
7. WHATAREMYRISKSOFBEINGINTHISSTUDY?
We believe there are no known risks associated with this research study; however, a possible inconvenience may be the time it takes to complete the study or discomfort in discussing the topic.
8.HOWWILLMYPERSONALINFORMATIONBEPROTECTED?
The following procedures will be used to protect the confidentiality of your study records including audio files, interview transcripts and photos. The researchers will keep all study records, including any codes to your data, in a locked file cabinet or online storage through Box. Research records will be labeled with a code. A master key that links names and codes will be maintained in a separate and secure location. The master key and audiotapes will be destroyed (3 ) years after the close of the study. All electronic files (include all the types of electronic files that are used, such as databases, spreadsheets,
etc.) containing identifiable information will be password protected. Any computer
hosting such files will also have password protection to prevent access by unauthorized users. Only the members of the research staff will have access to the passwords. At the conclusion of this study, the researchers may publish their findings. Information will be presented in summary format and you will not be identified in any publications or presentations.
9.WILLIRECEIVEANYPAYMENTFORTAKINGPARTINTHESTUDY?
Students who complete the screening survey were entered into a raffle for a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble, the college bookstore. Students will receive a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble per round of completed interviews. Students who submit photos
the college cafeteria. For those fully completing the study, they will receive $20 in gift cards to the college bookstore and a free beverage in the college cafeteria. Students are eligible for partial compensation based on completion of each stage.
10.WHATIFIHAVEQUESTIONS?
Take as long as you like before you make a decision. I am happy to answer any question you have about this study. If you have further questions about this project or if you have a research-related problem, you may contact the researcher, Shelley Errington Nicholson, [email protected] or 978-353-9131. If you have any questions concerning your rights as a research subject, you may contact the University of Massachusetts Amherst Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) at (413) 545-3428 or
11.CANISTOPBEINGINTHESTUDY?
You do not have to be in this study if you do not want to. If you agree to be in the study, but later change your mind, you may drop out at any time. There are no penalties or consequences of any kind if you decide that you do not want to participate.
You will be notified of all significant new findings between interview number one and interview number two that may affect your willingness to continue.