CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH

The "Problem" with First Year Writing: A Problem-Based Learning Approach to Proposing Solutions

This letter is asking for your signed consent to participate in a research study of problem-based writing in first year writing programs being conducted by our English 120 class at North Dakota State University. We are all both investigators and the objects of investigation, which is why it may be necessary for all of us to fill out these consent forms. Even if the university grants us an exemption, many journals that might publish such a study would want to be sure we are all aware our ideas and work could be later discussed and published. This letter provides the documentation such journals might require and spells out for us our ethical obligations to each other and this project.

The purpose of this study is to explore our learning and ability to research as we attempt to investigate how and why writing is taught in college and to potentially propose changes to our first year writing program. All of the materials we develop in class will become part of this research—our surveys, our interviews, our papers, these letters, my assignments. We will all have access to this material and can use it in our own research projects as well as projects we undertake together. Anyone who does not wish to have his or her work quoted from or used in print or on-line can refuse to give consent. This will NOT hurt your grade or ability to succeed in this class, as long as you still do the work the course requires.

The benefits from participating in this project include: developing a new understanding of the complexity of the academic world, undertaking research, preparing research for presentation, and potentially publishing this research. If this research is published, all participating students will be recognized for their contributions as researchers. Although your contributions will be recognized by name, your anonymity will be protected. No survey information can be directly linked to you. No information from the group decision center discussion can be directly linked to you. All materials from this class, including GDC transcripts and videotaped presentations will remain with Betsy Birmingham and may be used in future projects, in print and online. Anyone in the class who would like access to these materials may gain access online, or may make copies of materials for his or her own research.

Moreover, each of us is responsible for responsibly disposing of any audio or video taped materials we no longer use. Each of us who signs a CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH letter with an interview subject is responsible for maintaining each subject's confidentiality as stated in the terms of the letter. This is part of being a careful, ethical researcher.

Your participation is voluntary. Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your grade or present or future relationship with the university. If you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw your consent and to discontinue participation at any time—though you must still complete your work for the course if you want course credit.

You should feel free to ask questions now or at any time during the study. If you have questions about this study, you can contact me at 231-6587 or in class If you have questions about the rights of human research participants, contact the NDSU IRB Office, (701) 231-8908.

You are voluntarily making a decision whether or not to participate. Your signature indicates that you have decided to participate, having read the information provided above. You will be given a copy of this consent form to keep.

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Please print full name of participant Signature of participant Date

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Please print full name of investigator Signature of investigator Date

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