INFORMATION AND CONSENT FORM
Study Title: The Influence of Media: Learning about Autism
Researcher: Cassiopeia Sylvestre
Researcher’s Contact Information: cassiopeia.sylvestre@mail.concordia.ca
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Jayson San Miguel
Faculty Supervisor’s Contact Information: jayson.sanmiguel@concordia.ca
Source of funding for the study: The Concordia Psychology Department
You are being invited to participate in the research study mentioned above. This form provides information about what participating would mean. Please read it carefully before deciding if you want to participate or not. If there is anything you do not understand, or if you want more information, please ask the researcher.
A. PURPOSE
The purpose of the research is to explore different types of visual media that can be used to teach about autism. By participating, you’ll help us understand the best technique to improve knowledge acquisition in that matter.
B. PROCEDURES
If you participate, you will be asked to complete various questionnaires and view an online presentation about autism aimed to increase your knowledge. This research is a 3-part online study.
-
Phase 0: Complete a 15-minute demographic survey
-
Phase 1: A 30-minute questionnaire on your current situation
-
Phase 2: Viewing a 45-minute presentation about autism
-
Phase 3: A follow-up 30-minute questionnaire.
In total, participating in this study is expected to take approximately two to three hours spread over a week (up to two).
C. RISKS AND BENEFITS
You may face some minimal risks by participating in this research. These risks include being offended by the content presented in the video. Although the intent of the study is not to expose participants to offensive content, due to the nature of exposure to media, there is some possibility you may find some of the content offensive. Subject material may include personal introspection, mental health, self-awareness of their own biases, and/or popularly discussed societal issues such as ableism, ageism, classism, eugenics and sexism.
Although this research is not intended to benefit you personally, you may benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of a complex neurodevelopmental condition (i.e., autism), both from a technical and practical perspective. The study may also provide moments of humor, particularly for those who find the content relatable, potentially leading to temporary positive emotional experiences.
D. CONFIDENTIALITY
We will gather the following information as part of this research: We will gather the following information as part of this research: your answer on the survey and questionnaires, the time between the phases, time required to view the presentation, and your email (to send the link for each phase).
We will not allow anyone to access the information, except people directly involved in conducting the research. We will only use the information for the purposes of the research described in this form. In the eventuality of subsequent analysis, an additional consent will be sent to you.
The information gathered will be coded. That means the information will be identified by code. The researcher will have a list that links the code to your email. We will protect the information by storing all recorded materials (questionnaires and consent forms) in an encrypted, password protected folder. In keeping with APA guidelines, raw data will be stored for five years and, subsequently, will be permanently deleted. If you decide to withdraw from the study, the data will be deleted, and there will be no consequence to you.
We intend to publish the results of the research. However, it will not be possible to identify you in the published results.
E. CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
You do not have to participate in this research. It is purely your decision. If you do participate, you can stop at any time. You can also ask that the information you provided not be used, and your choice will be respected. If you decide that you don’t want us to use your information, you must tell the researcher within 30 days of completing this study through the email address provided to you (cassiopeia.sylvestre@mail.concordia.ca).
If you are a student at Concordia, you can receive up to 2 participant pool credit (SONA) as a compensatory indemnity for participating in this research. If you withdraw before the end of the research, you will receive credit for each completed part.
There are no negative consequences for not participating, stopping in the middle, or asking us not to use your information.