CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH

Title of Study: Why CMC? An investigation of the motives for using computer-mediated communication

You are asked to participate in a research study conducted by Dr. R. Robert Orr, Emily Orr, and Craig Ross from the Department of Psychology at the University of Windsor. Portions of this research will be used as preliminary data for graduate-level research

If you have any questions or concerns about the research, please feel to contact Dr. R. Robert Orr at 519-253-3000 x2222.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to investigate the reasons why individuals use computer-mediated communication tools. Specifically, this study will ask about the reasons why you use World of Warcraft, Facebook, MSN Messenger, and cell phone texting as appropriate.

PROCEDURES

If you volunteer to participate in this study, we would ask you to do the following things:

You will be asked to visit a website. You will obtain a unique identification code which will be used to access the survey. If you accidentally close the survey or wish to take a break, this access code will allow you to return to the survey without losing your previous responses. You are advised to print your access code as it cannot be retrieved should you accidently be disconnected. It is expected that the survey will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.

POTENTIAL RISKS AND DISCOMFORTS

There are no known risks associated with this research, and it is unlikely that you will experience distress resulting from your participation in this research. However, if this does occur, or if you have concerns of a more personal nature, there are resources available locally, regionally, and nationally. If you think you might find it useful, or are in distress, and are located within Canada, you may call the Canadian Mental Health Association at 613-745-7750, or at http://www.cmha.ca. If you are located in the United States, you may contact Mental Health America at 1-800-969-6642, or at http://www.nmha.org.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS TO SUBJECTS AND/OR TO SOCIETY

This research is expected to provide insight into the motivations that are associated with CMC use. These findings may, in turn, benefit society by helping us to understand why people use CMC tools.

PAYMENT FOR PARTICIPATION

There is no compensation for your participation in this research.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The data obtained in this study requires no identifying information (e.g., your name, phone number, address). All data collected will be stored in a password-protected file, which only the researchers involved in this study can access. When downloaded for analysis, the data will be encrypted and stored electronically on a secure computer. E-mail addresses will be destroyed upon completion of the study. Data will be destroyed in July, 2017.

PARTICIPATION AND WITHDRAWAL

You can choose whether or not to participate in this study. If you volunteer to be in this study, you may withdraw at any time without penalty. You may also refuse to answer any questions you do not want to answer and still remain in the study.

FEEDBACK OF THE RESULTS OF THIS STUDY TO THE SUBJECTS

All the data we collect is examined in groups (i.e., by examining averages) so we cannot give individual results. However, a summary of the study results will be made available through www.uwindsor.ca/reb and will be available as of July, 2010.

SUBSEQUENT USE OF DATA

This data will be used in subsequent studies. The same procedures for confidentiality will be maintained.

RIGHTS OF RESEARCH SUBJECTS

You may withdraw your consent at any time and discontinue participation without penalty. If you have questions regarding your rights as a research subject, contact: Research Ethics Coordinator, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4; Telephone: 519-253-3000, ext. 3948; e mail: ethics@uwindsor.ca

SIGNATURE OF RESEARCH SUBJECT/LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE

I understand the information provided for the study Why CMC? An investigation of the motives for using computer-mediated communication as described herein. I agree to participate in this study. I have been given opportunity to print a copy of this form (click here to download a PDF version of the form).