PROJECT TITLE: Evaluation of the Insect Investigators program with respect to outcomes for teachers
HUMAN RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL NUMBER: H-2022-***
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Patrick O’Connor
Dear Participant,
You are invited to participate in the research project described below.
What is the project about?
This research project is about evaluating the Insect Investigators project with respect to whether it has impacted teachers, and if so, in what ways. It is also about seeking to improve the project in future iterations based on teachers’ feedback.
Who is undertaking the project?
This project is being conducted by Patrick O’Conner and Erinn Fagan-Jeffries at The University of Adelaide.
Why am I being invited to participate?
You are being invited as you are a teacher who was part of Insect Investigators in 2022.
What am I being invited to do?
You are being invited to complete an online short survey with multiple choice and optional short answer questions, regarding your opinions regarding your participation in the Insect Investigators project.
How much time will my involvement in the project take?
The online survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete.
Are there any risks associated with participating in this project?
We do not foresee any risks associated with you participating in the survey.
What are the potential benefits of the research project?
This research may result in a better understanding of how participating in citizen science project, and specifically the Insect Investigators project, impacts teachers. It may also be used to attract future funding or improve the project in the future.
Can I withdraw from the project?
Participation in this project is completely voluntary. If you agree to participate, you can withdraw from the study now, however once results are recorded in the survey they are unable to be withdrawn since they are anonymous.
What will happen to my information?
The survey is anonymous, however as there are only 50 schools involved in the project whilst all efforts will be made to remove any information that might identify you, as the sample size is small, complete anonymity cannot be guaranteed. However, the utmost care will be taken to ensure that no personally identifying details are revealed.
Survey results will be securely stored online, and potentially published in project reports and peer-reviewed journals. A summary of the survey results will also be provided to you at the conclusion of the project.
Your information will only be used as described in this participant information sheet and it will only be disclosed according to the consent provided, except as required by law.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the project?
Erinn at erinn.fagan-jeffries@adelaide.edu.au or on 08 8313 1039, or
Patrick at patrick.oconnor@adelaide.edu.au
What if I have a complaint or any concerns?
The study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Adelaide (approval number H-2022-xxx). This research project will be conducted according to the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2007 (Updated 2018). If you have questions or problems associated with the practical aspects of your participation in the project, or wish to raise a concern or complaint about the project, then you should consult the Principal Investigator. If you wish to speak with an independent person regarding concerns or a complaint, the University’s policy on research involving human participants, or your rights as a participant, please contact the Human Research Ethics Committee’s Secretariat on:
Phone: +61 8 8313 6028
Email: hrec@adelaide.edu.au
Post: Level 3, Rundle Mall Plaza, 50 Rundle Mall, ADELAIDE SA 5000
Any complaint or concern will be treated in confidence and fully investigated. You will be informed of the outcome.
If I want to participate, what do I do?
Indicate your consent to participate using the checkbox below and complete the survey.
By completing the survey, you are consenting to the following:
- I have read the attached Information Sheet and agree to take part in the following research project:
- I have had the project, so far as it affects me, and the potential risks and burdens fully explained to my satisfaction by the research worker. I have had the opportunity to ask any questions I may have about the project and my participation. My consent is given freely.
- Although I understand the purpose of the research project, it has also been explained that my involvement may not be of any benefit to me.
- I agree to participate in the activities outlined in the participant information sheet.
- I understand my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw my information from the project until I click the ‘submit’ button on the survey.
- I have been informed that the information gained in the project may be published in a project reports and peer-reviewed journals.
- I have been informed that in the published materials I will not be identified and any personal information that could identify me will not be divulged.
- I consent for the use of my survey responses by the same or other researchers in future research projects that are an extension of, or closely related to, the original project. I understand personal information that may identify me (e.g. name, address, date of birth) will be removed or changed before it is shared with other researchers.
- I understand my information will only be disclosed according to the consent provided, except where disclosure is required by law.
- I am aware that I should keep a copy of this information sheet and consent form {insert download link as pdf}
Yours sincerely,
Dr Patrick O’Connor & Dr Erinn Fagan-Jeffries