Research paper
Remember that you must have a consent form for your anonymous online surveys. Most of the platforms you are using will build in the consent page so that if the person continues with the survey, there is implied consent and if they do not consent to the study, will not be allowed to continue to the survey.
If you plan to conduct further study of this subject someday, you will have to apply for an IRB exemption.
Items to include :
Study title: [insert]
Researcher[s]: [insert name(s) and title / degree / department, as applicable] We’re inviting you to take a survey for research. This survey is completely voluntary. There are no negative consequences if you don’t want to take it. If you start the survey, you can always change your mind and stop at any time.
What is the purpose of this study? [describe the purpose or goals in simple language]
Describe survey topic [Describe the survey topic(s) and the types of questions that will be asked. If there are any questions that participants could find objectionable, be sure to mention that here as well.]
Risks [customize as needed to fit your study] ● Some questions may be personal or upsetting. You can skip them or quit the survey at
any time. ● Online data being hacked or intercepted: Anytime you share information online there are
risks. We’re using a secure system to collect this data [elaborate if desired], but we can’t completely eliminate this risk.
● Breach of confidentiality: There is a chance your data could be seen by someone who shouldn’t have access to it. We’re minimizing this risk in the following ways: [Use whichever of the following bullet points apply to your study. Add any other measures you’ll use to protect data security.]
○ Data is anonymous. – or – All identifying information is removed and replaced with a study ID.
○ We’ll remove all identifiers after [insert amount of time or specific event]. ○ We’ll store all electronic data on a password-protected, encrypted computer. ○ We’ll keep your identifying information separate from your research data, but we
will be able to link it to you. We’ll destroy this link after we finish collecting and analyzing the data.
● Add any other risks – think about emotional, social, and/or financial risks.
Possible benefits: List individual benefits (if any). List benefits to a larger group or society (such as helping understand more about xyz). Don’t include compensation here; you’ll describe that below.
Estimated number of participants: [insert #. If needed, add explanation or description of different groups, e.g. 40 teachers and 300 students]
How long will it take? [insert total amount of time for individual participation]
INCLUDE THESE THREE SENTENCES:
*This is a course-related activity designed specifically for educational or teaching purpose. These data are being collected as part of a course requirement but are not intended for use outside the classroom.