You are being asked to participate in a research study that is examining whether the use of scenario-based conceptual writing assignments will help students gain a better understanding of physics concepts. Before agreeing to be a part of this study, please read the following information carefully. Feel free to ask questions if you do not understand something.

In order to decide whether or not you wish to be a part of this study you should be aware that there are no anticipated risks, and become familiar with my methodology to make an informed judgment. This consent form provides you with detailed information about the research study. I will discuss any aspects of the study with you that you do not understand. You should be aware of all aspects of the study: its purpose, procedures to be used and any risks or benefits. Once you understand the study, you will be asked if you wish to participate, if you do, you will be asked to sign this form.

Procedures: In the next several months, your instructor will be offering you several 1-2 paragraph writing assignments as extra-credit opportunities. These assignments will ask you to describe real-life situations using physics concepts. At the end of the semester, you will be given a series of extra-credit multiple-choice questions on the concepts covered by these writing assignments. You may also be asked to complete a brief survey evaluating your experience with the new method. If you decide to volunteer, your teacher will allow me to use the scores from this test to compare with test scores from a class taught similarly without the inclusion of writing assignments. Your name will not be attached to this study in anyway, and your score will be kept completely anonymous. Excerpts from your writing may be used as examples, but again, these will also be kept completely anonymous.

Risks and Inconveniences: There are no anticipated risks or inconveniences associated with this project. All information will be kept completely anonymous. Test scores from the class as a whole will be analyzed statistically and will never be directly linked to writing excerpts. Your privacy is of great personal importance to me, and I will never release any individual information to the public.

Benefits: The primary potential benefit to you from participation in this project is that you will have the opportunity to learn physics using a new method that may allow you to gain a better understanding of the material, and perhaps even get some enjoyment out of it. You will also be awarded extra credit toward your grade. “Participation” simply means completing the writing assignments and test, and allowing me to use the information from the work you have done in order to evaluate this new method.

Cost and Compensations: There are no costs involved with your participation in this project. As compensation, you will be awarded extra credit toward your grade for the work that you complete.

Voluntary Participation: Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. You may refuse to participate in this project without any negative consequence for you. If you begin to participate in this research, you may at any time and for any reason, discontinue your participation without any negative consequences. Simply let your instructor know this.

Confidentiality: Any and all information obtained from you will be confidential. Your privacy will be protected at all times. You will not be identified individually in any way as a result of your participation in this research. The data collected however, may be used as part of publication and papers related to writing based science instruction.

Before you sign this form, please ask any questions on any aspect of this study that is unclear to you. You may take as much time as necessary to think this over. If you have further questions, you may contact Michael Murphy at 203-392-8587. If you have questions regarding your right as a research participant you may contact the SCSU Institutional Review Board at 203-392-5958.

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