University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Information about a Research Study
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IRB Study # 10-1715 Consent Form Version Date: 09-27-10
Title of Study: Web 2.0 and the Educator’s Dilemma: Interacting with Students in an
Online Social Network
Principal Investigator: Paul Wolff
UNC-Chapel Hill Department: School of Information and Library Science
Faculty Advisor: Gary Marchionini
Study Contact telephone number: 919-225-4835
Study Contact email: [email protected]
Faculty Advisor Contact telephone number: 919-966-3611
Faculty Advisor Contact email: [email protected]
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What are some general things you should know about research studies?
You are being asked to take part in a research study. To join the study is voluntary. You may refuse to join, or you may withdraw your consent to be in the study, for any reason, without penalty.
Research studies are designed to obtain new knowledge. This new information may help people in the future. You may not receive any direct benefit from being in the research study. There also may be risks to being in research studies.
Details about this study are discussed below. It is important that you understand this information so that you can make an informed choice about being in this research study. You will be given a copy of this consent form. You should ask the researchers named above, or staff members who may assist them, any questions you have about this study at any time.
What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of this study is to determine the various methods educators employ with respect to privacy when interacting with students as well as fellow professionals within the context of the online social network, Facebook. Based on the findings of the research and the prevalence of the various methods, a recommended approach will be discussed for educators who want to use Facebook but are concerned about privacy issues. We also hope that this study will prompt more research into this area.
How many people will take part in this study?
If you decide to be in this study, you will be one of approximately 20 people in this research study.
How long will your part in this study last?
The interview will take less than an hour and will likely be around 30 minutes. You can choose to stop the interview at any time.
What will happen if you take part in the study
I will ask you questions about your use of the online social network, Facebook, any privacy settings you employ there and any interaction you have with your students through Facebook. I will take notes about what you say. You do not have to answer any questions that you do not wish to answer, for any reason.
What are the possible benefits from being in this study?
Research is designed to benefit society by gaining new knowledge. I hope that your participation will help to develop a recommended best practice for educators who wish to use Facebook to reach their students. It is possible that you will not benefit directly from this research.
What are the possible risks or discomforts involved from being in this study?
We do not think you will experience any discomfort or risk from the interview and several steps will be taken to make sure that your privacy is protected.
How will your privacy be protected?
I will not be collecting any personal information about you and will only be taking notes from the interview. The only information about you that will be used in the presentation of this research to others is whether you are a secondary or post-secondary instructor, so no one here in your community, or elsewhere, will know what you said.
Will you receive anything for being in this study?
You will not be compensated for your information, but your information is very important to us.
Will it cost you anything to be in this study?
There are no costs for being in the study unless you had to drive to the interview location.
What if you have questions about this study?
You have the right to ask, and have answered, any questions you may have about this research. If you have questions, or concerns, you should contact me or my advisor at the phone numbers and email addresses listed at the beginning of this form.
What if you have questions about your rights as a research participant?
All research on human volunteers is reviewed by a committee that works to protect your rights and welfare. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research subject you may contact, anonymously if you wish, the Institutional Review Board at 919-966-3113 or by email to [email protected].
Thank you for helping me with this study.
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Title of Study: Web 2.0 and the Educator’s Dilemma: Interacting with Students in an
Online Social Network
Participant’s Agreement:
I have read the information provided above. I have asked all the questions I have at this time. I voluntarily agree to participate in this research study.
I grant permission to the principal investigator to record the interview with the understanding that the digital audio recording will be deleted upon transcription of the interview.
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Signature of Research Participant Date
_________________________________________________ Printed Name of Research Participant