From UMassWiki

Informed Consent for a Study of Group Dynamics

Contents 1 Introduction to the study 2 What will happen during the study 3 Who to go to with questions 4 How participants’ privacy is protected 5 Risks and discomforts 6 Your rights 7 Review Board approval 8 Signature

Introduction to the study

I am inviting you to be in a research study conducted by 'Stephanie Jo Kent of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Communication Department. The purpose of this study is to find out how certain group trends develop. I hope to use what I learn from the study to evaluate specific instances of group dynamics, such as changes in peer feedback, satisfaction with learning and/or the group’s accomplishments, and dealing with authority. Some results will be published in the CourseWiki; and detailed analysis may be submitted for publication in an academic journal and/or presented at professional meetings.

What will happen during the study

This is what will happen during the study, which will take place during regular class sessions of COM 352 during the Spring of 2008. I will ask you to complete regular homework assignments. This may include in-class work, homework, design and production of a course wiki, and publication in a weblog. Participation in this study will take you no more time than is required to complete assigned coursework.

Who to go to with questions

If you have any questions or concerns about being in this study you should contact me, Stephanie Jo Kent, steph@comm.umass.edu or my advisor, Dr. Leda Cooks: leda@comm.umass.edu or 413-545-1311.

How participants’ privacy is protected

I will make every effort to protect your privacy. You will be assigned a random number for recording purposes of peer feedback and self evaluation; these numbers will be re-coded into letters for use in publications and/or presentations. You are responsible for selecting a pseudonym that protects your confidentiality in the public webspaces of course weblogs and wikis. You may delete these accounts and any identifying information at any time. Names used in weblogs and the course wiki may be referred to in publications and presentations, however no correlation will be made with data collected by random numbers, and your full name will not be disclosed. During the study, the key that tells me which code number goes with your information will be kept in a secure location. When the study is finished I will destroy the key that can link information to you personally.

Risks and discomforts

I do not know of any personal risk or discomfort from being in this study, although you may experience some awkwardness from learning about yourself as a group member. I do not know of any way you will personally benefit from participating in this study. The study will contribute to knowledge about the dynamic functionings of diverse groups engaged in decision-making tasks.

Your rights

You should decide on your own whether or not you want to be in this study. You will not be treated any differently if you decide not to be in the study. If you do decide to be in the study, you have the right to tell me you do not want to continue with the study and stop being in the study at any time.

Review Board approval

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at University of Massachusetts Amherst is in the process of approving this study. If you have any concerns about your rights as a participant in this study you may contact a member of the Human Subjects Review Committee through the Communication Department Office, 413-545-1311.

Signature

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT AND SIGN BELOW IF YOU AGREE

I have been aware of this study since the first day of class and understand that the content of this study was co-designed by several of my classmates working along with the teacher. I have had the chance to ask any questions I have about this study and my questions have been answered. I have read the information in this consent form and I agree to be in the study. There are two copies of this form. I will keep one copy and return the other to Stephanie Jo Kent.

Signature

Date