What risks might you experience from being in this study?
The expected risks from participating in this study are minimal, which means they are equal to the risks you would encounter in everyday life. The risks involved in this study include information risks, psychological or emotional risks, and social risks. To reduce risk, all information will be kept confidential and secured in a password-protected personal computer in a home office environment. I will monitor participants and discontinue their participation in the study if needed.
How will personal information be protected?
The records of this study will be kept private. Published reports will not include any information that could identify a subject.
· Participant responses will be kept confidential by replacing names with pseudonyms.
· Research records will be stored securely, and only the researcher will have access to them.
· Data will be stored on a password-locked computer in a locked home office, and in a locked filing system. After five years, all electronic records will be deleted, and all hardcopy records will be shredded.
Is study participation voluntary?
Participation in this study is voluntary. Your decision whether to participate will not affect your current or future relations with Liberty University. If you decide to participate, you are free to not answer any questions or withdraw at any time without affecting those relationships.
What should you do if you decide to withdraw from the study?
If you choose to withdraw from the study, please contact the researcher using the email address/phone number included in the next paragraph. Should you choose to withdraw, data collected from you will be destroyed immediately and will not be included in this study.
Whom do you contact if you have questions or concerns about the study?
The researcher conducting this study is Robbin L. Johnston. You may ask any questions you have now. If you have questions later, you are encouraged to contact her at (931) 206-2714 or rljohnston1@liberty.edu. You may also contact the researcher’s faculty sponsor, Dr. Nathan L. Street, at nstreet4@liberty.edu.
Whom do you contact if you have questions about your rights as a research participant?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study and would like to talk to someone other than the researcher, you are encouraged to contact the IRB. Our physical address is Institutional Review Board, 1971 University Blvd., Green Hall Ste. 2845, Lynchburg, VA, 24515; our phone number is 434-592-5530, and our email address is irb@liberty.edu.
Disclaimer: The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is tasked with ensuring that human subjects research will be conducted in an ethical manner as defined and required by federal regulations. The topics covered, and viewpoints expressed or alluded to by student and faculty researchers are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Liberty University.
Your Consent
By signing this document, you are agreeing to be in this study. Make sure you understand what the study is about before you sign. You will be given a copy of this document for your records. The researcher will keep a copy with the study records. If you have any questions about the study after you sign this document, you can contact the study team using the information provided above.