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Lancaster University School of Computing & Communications: Research Protocol Form

This document outlines a research study on women and technology conducted by Elena Lockett at Lancaster University. The study aims to understand why women remain a minority in computer science fields and will involve interviews to collect personal experiences and opinions on computing education and social attitudes. Participation is voluntary and confidentiality will be maintained. There are minimal risks to participating and no compensation provided, but the research seeks to benefit communities and individuals.

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69 views4 pages

Lancaster University School of Computing & Communications: Research Protocol Form

This document outlines a research study on women and technology conducted by Elena Lockett at Lancaster University. The study aims to understand why women remain a minority in computer science fields and will involve interviews to collect personal experiences and opinions on computing education and social attitudes. Participation is voluntary and confidentiality will be maintained. There are minimal risks to participating and no compensation provided, but the research seeks to benefit communities and individuals.

Uploaded by

Steve Jones
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LANCASTER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF COMPUTING

& COMMUNICATIONS

RESEARCH PROTOCOL FORM

RESEARCH PROJECT: WOMEN & TECHNOLOGY

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Elena Lockett


Email: [email protected]
Address: Computing Department, Infolab21, Lancaster University, Lancaster
LA1 4WA
Tel: +44 (0) 1524 51032
OTHER INVESTIGATORS:
Dr Mark Rouncefield
Dr Simone Gristwood

INTRODUCTION: WOMEN & TECHNOLOGY project – background


and purpose

The WOMEN & TECHNOLOGY project is concerned with gaining further


understanding into why women are still the minority in computer science, whether the
issue lies with the education system to social attitudes regarding the skills women
possess.

You will be taking part in a WOMEN & TECHNOLOGY research study concerned
with understanding individual’s personal experience with Computing and the
Education System, with focus upon their own experiences during Primary &
Secondary years, the role models they have contact with & the social attitudes linked
with women and technology.

This research will involve the use of interviews to collect information and personal
opinions regarding Women & Technology.

It is important that you read and understand several principles that apply to all who
take part in our studies;

 Taking part in the study is entirely voluntary;


 Personal benefit may not result from taking part in the study, but knowledge may
be gained that will benefit others;
 Any significant findings will be discussed with you if you desire;
 You may withdraw from the study at any time by simply informing any of the
investigators. You can also ask for any of your identifiable data to be destroyed.
 In accord with all of our research protocols, privacy will be fully protected and
confidentiality maintained at all times.

The nature of the study, the risks, inconveniences, discomforts, and other pertinent
information about the study are discussed below. You are urged to discuss any
questions you have about this study with the investigators before you sign this
consent.

STUDY PROCEDURE:

You are being asked to possibly participate in an INTERVIEW – your personal


opinions and reflections as well as the deliberations of the group, and their comments
or opinions expressed will be recorded. All recorders will be stored securely. All
recorded data will be quickly transferred to a secure medium – password protected PC
or encrypted memory stick and the data deleted to ensure confidentiality.

Recording can be stopped or data erased as you wish - your wishes are paramount.
While you may initially be a little concerned or embarrassed our experience is that
people soon learn to enjoy the experience. Nevertheless you can withdraw from the
study at any time and ask that any data that you have supplied be erased. To withdraw
you simply need to inform any of the project investigators.

When writing the results from the research into a project report or any other form of
documentation, steps are taken to ensure anonymity for all those involved.
Confidentiality will be maintained at all times. Information from the research is the
property of the researcher and will be kept in a secure environment and will be
destroyed within two years of the conclusion of the research.

RISKS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE STUDY:

The risks of participating in this study are minimal. It is the investigators' intention
that your identity in these studies will remain confidential.

BENEFITS:

There may be no personal benefit to you from participating in this project. The
personal benefits of this research may include learning more about Women &
Technology. The research may inform the requirements for the development of new
technologies or applications that may be made available to the public and has the
potential to improve the quality of communities as a whole and for individuals within
that community.
COSTS AND COMPENSATION:

You will not be paid for participating in this study. We believe there is unlikely
to be any cost, financial or other, to you from participation in the study.
CONFIDENTIALITY:

All information collected in this study belongs to the fieldworker and will be
maintained in a confidential manner at Lancaster University. All data obtained will be
encrypted and stored securely. Nobody, other than the fieldwork researcher, will have
access to the raw data. Any recordings will be destroyed at the end of the project.
Although rare, it is possible that disclosure may be required by law. Otherwise, the
information will not be disclosed to third parties without your permission. If the study
is published, your name and institution will be kept confidential.

PEOPLE TO CONTACT:

If you have further questions related to this research study, you may call the Principal
Investigator, Elena Lockett Email: [email protected]
Address: Computing Department, Infolab21, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1
4WA Tel: +44 (0) 1524 51032
CONSENT FORM

I understand that I am free to refuse to participate in this research project or to


withdraw my consent and discontinue participation in the project at any time without
prejudice.

I understand that I will not be paid to participate in this study.

I have had the opportunity to discuss this investigation and the procedure(s) with a
study investigator.

All my questions regarding this project have been answered.

I agree to participate in the project as described above.

Participant’s signature

Date signed

Participant’s printed name

A COPY OF THIS FORM HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME


_____________________

Participant’s initials

If I am not satisfied with the manner in which this study is being conducted, I may
report (anonymously if I so choose) any complaints to the Head of Department of
Computing and Communications,

Professor Jon Whittle,


Address: Computing Department, Infolab21, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1
4WAEmail: [email protected]

I have discussed with the participant, the procedure(s) described above and the risks
involved; I believe he/she understands the contents of the consent form, and is
competent to give a legally effective and informed consent.

Signature of Investigator Date signed

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