The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Kansas supports the practice of protection for human subjects participating in research. The following information is provided for you to decide whether you wish to participate in the present study. You should be aware that even if you agree to participate, you are free to withdraw at any time without penalty.

 

The researcher is conducting this study to better understand individuals’ thoughts about current events and politics. This will entail that you read and evaluate a few news headlines. Your participation is expected to take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The content of the study should cause no more discomfort than you would experience browsing news in your everyday life.

 

Although participation may not benefit you directly, we believe that the information obtained from this study will help us gain a better understanding of news, current events, and politics. Your participation is solicited, although strictly voluntary. Your name will not be associated in any way with the research findings. No identifiable information will be collected. All of the data from this study will be kept on password-protected computers accessible only to the researcher involved in this study. It is possible, however, with internet communications, that through intent or accident someone other than the intended recipient may see your responses.

 

You will be compensated $0.75 through MTurk for your completion of this study.

 

If you would like additional information concerning this study before or after it is completed, please feel free to contact the researcher by phone or mail.

 

Completion of this questionnaire indicates your willingness to take part in this study and that you are at least 18 years old and live in the United States. If you have any additional questions about your rights as a research participant, you may call (785) 864-7429 or write the Human Subjects Committee Lawrence Campus (HSCL), University of Kansas, 2385 Irving Hill Road, Lawrence, Kansas 66045-7563, email irb@ku.edu.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Ashley Muddiman, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Department of Communication Studies

Bailey Hall

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS 66045

785-864-4098

ashley.muddiman@ku.edu