research consent form rev

Research Consent and Confidentiality Form

NSF Postdoc Data Project Focus Groups – 2008

This focus group is being conducted by the Survey Sciences Group Inc., on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The procedures and content of this research have been approved by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. This focus group session is being conducted as part of an overall NSF feasibility study about postdoctoral researchers (postdocs) in U.S. institutions. Please read the statements below carefully.

Confidentiality

This focus group is being conducted by the Survey Sciences Group Inc., on behalf of the National Science Foundation as part of an overall NSF feasibility study on postdocs in U.S. institutions. The focus group procedures and content of this research have been approved by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. The OMB control number for this collection is 3145-0174.

This information is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. All information collected will be confidential and used only for the purpose of evaluating postdoc issues. Your identifying information will be removed from any results or reports of data. We want to assure you that anything you tell us or any information that you give us will not be attributed to you individually. The information will only be shared with the research team. We consider the information you choose to share with us personal and confidential. You have the right to refuse to answer any question, and to refuse to participate. However, we expect the outcome of this survey to benefit you in that the results will be used to improve the quality of the data that NSF reports about postdocs.

Permission to Tape

Additionally, we would like to audio/video tape this interview. Audio/videotape recording is used to allow the researcher(s) to record and analyze data at a level of accuracy and detail that is otherwise unattainable. Audio/videotape recording the session will permit the moderators to focus on the group, rather than on taking notes, which enhances the productivity of the session. If at any time during our interview you should feel uncomfortable, you are under no obligation to stay, and are entirely free to leave.

Risks and Benefits

You have the right to refuse to answer any question, and to refuse to contribute to the group. We expect the outcome of this group to benefit you in that the results will be used to improve the quality of NSF postdoc-related projects. Further, as a token of our appreciation, you will receive $50 for your time in participating in the group for the entire session..

Consent to Participate

If you agree to take part in this study, you will participate in a focus group with the researcher/moderator and several other participants. The researcher/moderator will ask the group to discuss a set of topics regarding postdoc experiences and postdoc policies and procedures. You have the right to refuse to participate in the discussion, for any reason. The group will last not longer than 2 hours, but you may leave the group at any time for any reason.

Please sign below to indicate that you have read and agreed to the above policies.

Participant’s Signature		Date
Participant’s Printed Name
Researcher/designee Signature		Date
Researcher/designee Printed Name