The University of Waikato · School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Research Consent Form
This consent form, a copy of which has been given to you, is only part of the process of informed consent. It should give you the basic idea of what the research is about and what your participation will involve. If you would like more detail about something mentioned here, or information not included here, please ask. Please take the time to read this form carefully and to understand any accompanying information.
Research Project Title Programming by demonstration. Researcher Mr. Gordon Paynter. Experiment Purpose The purpose of this experiment is to observe and record the ways that computer users solve certain tasks. Participant Recruitment and Selection Undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Waikato are being recruited for this experiment. Procedure This session will require about an hour of your time. You will asked to fill in a short questionnaire about your experience with computers and then to solve two or more problems using common applications on a Macintosh computer. You may be asked to repeat variations of the problems. None of the tasks is a test – my objective is to find out how you approach the tasks. Data Collection A questionnaire will be used to gauge your computer experience at the beginning of the session. As you work on the task your mouse and keyboard actions will be recorded by the computer. The interviewer will take notes. There will be no video or audio recorders. Data Archiving/Destruction Data will be kept secure stored in the Usability Laboratory archive under the control of the Usability Laboratory Manager.
Confidentiality Confidentiality and participant anonymity will be strictly maintained. All information gathered will be used for statistical analysis only and no names or other identifying characteristics will be stated in the final or any other reports. Likelihood of Discomfort There is no likelihood of discomfort or risk associated with participation. Researcher Gordon Paynter is working on his doctorate in the Computer Science Department at the University of Waikato. This study will contribute to his research on programming by demonstration. His supervisor is Professor Ian H. Witten. Gordon can be contacted in room G1.12 of the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences building at the University of Waikato. His phone number is 838 4466 extension 8766 and his email address is gwp@cs.waikato.ac.nz. Finding out about Results The Participants can find out the results of the study by contacting the researcher after October 1, 1998. Agreement Your signature on this form indicates that you have understood to your satisfaction the information regarding participation in the research project and agree to participate as a participant. In no way does this waive you legal rights nor release the investigators, sponsors, or involved institutions from their legal and professional responsibilities. You are free to not answer specific items or questions in interviews or on questionnaires. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. Your continued participation should be as informed as your initial consent, so you should feel free to ask for clarification or new information throughout your participation. If you have further questions concerning matters related to this research, please contact the researcher.
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A copy of this consent form has been given to you to keep for your records and reference.