Research Study Consent Form

Online Consent

Introduction

This study is part of a research study conducted by Dr. Paulo Carvalho and Dr. Ken Koedinger at Carnegie Mellon University and is funded by the National Science Foundation. This study involves learning new math, science or language concepts that use unique symbols or codes that we created. You will learn these concepts through a series of online problems and activities. You will not be asked any private information and the entire study should take no longer than 20 minutes. There are no risks for you, but the knowledge received may be of value to humanity.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this research is to explore how human learning works differently when applied to different knowledge content. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the how we learn and how a flexible set of learning mechanisms can give rise to complex human learning and behavior.

Procedures

You will be asked to complete a series of activities regarding a new set of concepts (e.g., area of geometrical shapes or the principles of gravity). You will then be tested on what you learned from those activities. The whole study should take no longer than 20 minutes.

Participant Requirements

Participation in this study is limited to individuals age 18 and older currently located in the U.S. at the time of participation.

Risks and Benefits

Risks:

The risks and discomfort associated with participation in this study are no greater than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during other online activities. There is a potential risk of breach of confidentiality. The research team takes every precaution to avoid this from happening.

Benefits:

There may be no personal benefit from your participation in the study, but the knowledge received may be of value to humanity.

Confidentiality

By participating in this research, you understand and agree that Carnegie Mellon may be required to disclose your consent form, data and other personally identifiable information as required by law, regulation, subpoena or court order. Otherwise, your confidentiality will be maintained in the following manner: Your data and consent form will be kept separate. Your consent form will be stored in a secure location on Carnegie Mellon property and will not be disclosed to third parties. By participating, you understand and agree that the data and information gathered during this study may be used by Carnegie Mellon and published and/or disclosed by Carnegie Mellon to others outside of Carnegie Mellon. However, your name, address, contact information and other direct personal identifiers will not be mentioned in any such publication or dissemination of the research data and/or results by Carnegie Mellon. Note that per regulation all research data must be kept for a minimum of 3 years. The study sponsor may have access to research records.

Compensation

You will be paid $4 upon completion of the study. There will be no cost to you if you participate in this study.

Voluntary Participation

Your participation in this research is voluntary. You may discontinue participation at any time during the research activity. You may print a copy of this consent form for your records.

Right to Ask Questions & Contact Information

If you have any questions about this study, you should feel free to ask them by contacting the Principal Investigators now at Dr. Paulo Carvalho or Dr. Ken Koedinger, Human-Computer Interaction Institute, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, pcarvalh@andrew.cmu.edu or koedinger@cmu.edu. If you have questions later, desire additional information, or wish to withdraw your participation please contact the Principal Investigator by mail, phone or e-mail in accordance with the contact information listed above. If you have questions pertaining to your rights as a research participant; or to report concerns to this study, you should contact the Office of Research integrity and Compliance at Carnegie Mellon University. Email: irb-review@andrew.cmu.edu . Phone: 412-268-1901 or 412-268-5460.

Consent

I am age 18 or older.

yes no

I live in and am currently located in the United States

yes no

I have read and understand the information above

yes no