SAMPLE CONSENT COVER LETTER
05/14/98 Mr. John Doe 123 Sunny Circle
Anywhere, CA 90000
Dear Mr. Doe:
My name is Lorraine Garcia and I am a graduate student in the College of Professional Studies at the University of San Francisco. I am doing a study on management styles of people with and without advanced management training. I am interested in learning the impact of advanced courses, books, and seminars on the management style of mid-level managers in high-technology corporations. Your company management has given approval to me to conduct this research.
You are being asked to participate in this research study because you are a mid-level manager in a high-technology corporation. I obtained your name from a mailing list of management personnel in high-technology companies. If you agree to be in this study, you will complete the attached survey that asks about your educational background, management training experiences, and management style. Return the survey in the enclosed pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope to me.
It is possible that some of the questions on the survey may make you feel uncomfortable, but you are free to decline to answer any questions you do not wish to answer, or to stop participation at any time. Although you will not be asked to put your name on the survey, I will know that you were asked to participate in the research because I sent you this letter and survey. Participation in research may mean a loss of confidentiality. Study records will be kept as confidential as is possible. No individual identities will be used in any reports or publications resulting from the study. Study information will be coded and kept in locked files at all times. Only study personnel will have access to the files. Individual results will not be shared with personnel of your company.
While there will be no direct benefit to you from participating in this study, the anticipated benefit of this study is a better understanding of the effect of management training on management style in high-technology corporations.
There will be no costs to you as a result of taking part in this study, nor will you be reimbursed for your participation in this study.
If you have questions about the research, you may contact me at 555-5555. If you have further questions about the study, you may contact the IRBPHS at the University of San Francisco, which is concerned with protection of volunteers in research projects. You may reach the IRBPHS office by calling (415) 422-6091 and leaving a voicemail message, by e-mailing IRBPHS@usfca.edu, or by writing to the IRBPHS, Department of Psychology, University of San Francisco, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117-1080.
PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH IS VOLUNTARY. You are free to decline to be in this study, or to withdraw from it at any point. The JMC corporation is aware of this study but does not require that you participate in this research and your decision as to whether or not to participate will have no influence on your present or future status as an employee at JMC Corporation.
Thank you for your attention. If you agree to participate, please complete the attached survey and return it to me in the enclosed pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope.
Sincerely,
Lorraine Garcia
Graduate Student
University of San Francisco