CONSENT FORM
Project Title
Understanding Social Media Website Usage
Why is this research being done?
This is a research project
being conducted by Jennifer Golbeck at the University of Maryland,
College Park. We are inviting you to participate in this research project
because you use social media websites like social networks and blogs The
purpose of this research project is to understand how these websites are
used, including what types of posts people create and how people form
friendships.
What will I be asked to do?
You will be asked for your social media username and to answer a standard personality question.
What about confidentiality?
We will do our best to keep your personal information
confidential. To help protect your confidentiality (1) your name will not
be included on any collected data; (2) an ID will be placed on any
collected data; (3) though the use of this ID, the researchers will be
able to link your data to your identity; and (4) only the researchers will
have access to the ID. Your identifying information will be maintained on
a secure server or locked office space separate from any collected data.
If we write a report or article about this research project, your identity
will be protected to the maximum extent possible. Your information may be
shared with representatives of the University of Maryland, College Park or
governmental authorities if you or someone else is in danger or if we are
required to do so by law.
In accordance with legal requirements and/or professional standards, we
will disclose to the appropriate individuals and/or authorities
information that comes to our attention concerning child abuse or neglect
or potential harm to you or others.
What are the risks of this research?
There are no known risks associated with participating in this research
project.
What are the benefits of this research?
This research is not designed to help you personally.
The results may help the investigator learn more about how people use
social media websites. We hope that, in the future, other people might
benefit from this study through improved understanding of how friendships
are formed and what kind of information people post online.
Do I have to be in this research?
May I stop participating at any time? Your participation in this
research is completely voluntary. You may choose not to take part at all.
If you decide to participate in this research, you may stop participating
at any time. If you decide not to participate in this study or if you
stop participating at any time, you will not be penalized or lose any
benefits to which you otherwise qualify.
What if I have questions?
This research is being conducted by Jennifer Golbeck, College of
Information Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. If you
have any questions about the research study itself, please contact
Jennifer Golbeck at 2117K Hornbake Building, South Wing, College Park, MD
20742, 301-405-7185
If you have questions about your rights as a research subject or wish to
report a research-related injury, please contact: Institutional Review
Board Office, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742;
(e-mail) irb@deans.umd.edu; (telephone) 301-405-0678
This research has been reviewed according to the University of Maryland,
College Park IRB procedures for research involving human subjects.
Statement of Age of Subject and Consent
your participation indicates that:
you are at least 18 years of age;,
the research has been explained to you;
your questions have been fully answered; and
you freely and voluntarily choose to participate in this research
project.