Protocol Title: Education-Based Binaries and Bridges: An investigation of sibling relations across disparate levels of educational attainment
Principal Researcher: Dr. April Burns, [email protected]
WHY IS THIS STUDY BEING DONE? The purpose of this study is to better understand how everyday Americans think and feel about higher education and differences in educational levels that exist between people, especially as they relate to sibling relationships.
WHAT WILL I BE ASKED TO DO IF I AGREE TO TAKE PART IN THIS STUDY? This study involves participating in a 40-60-minute audio-recorded individual interview with the researcher, which will take place virtually over Zoom (or another video meeting platform).
During the individual interview, the researcher will ask you questions about your schooling experiences, your life growing up, your thoughts on college, and your family relationships. You will not be evaluated or tested in any way.
Your participation is voluntary. You may skip any question that you do not want to answer, and you may leave the study at any time.
WHAT POSSIBLE BENEFITS CAN I EXPECT FROM TAKING PART IN THIS STUDY? There are no direct benefits to you for participating. However, some participants may gain a deeper understanding of their relationship with their siblings, which may ultimately benefit that relationship. Participation will also help the fields of psychology and education better understand how degree attainment can impact family relationships.
WHAT POSSIBLE RISKS OR DISCOMFORTS CAN I EXPECT FROM TAKING PART IN THIS STUDY? This study has minimal risk, meaning no more risk than adults would encounter in their typical, daily activities. However, some participants may feel uncomfortable or anxious thinking about or discussing aspects of their educational and family experiences that are, or were, less than satisfying. However, you do not have to respond to any question that makes you uncomfortable, and you may end your participation at any point during the interview.
WILL I BE PAID FOR BEING IN THIS STUDY? Study participants will receive $60 per interview as compensation for your time whether they complete the interview or not. Compensation is pro-rated at $1 per minute, for interviews lasting less than 30 minutes or going beyond 60 minutes.
PROTECTION OF YOUR CONFIDENTIALITY Interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed (typed up), with identifying information removed. All electronic or digital information (including audio recordings) will be stored on a computer that is password protected. Audio files will also be password protected and not stored on any cloud-based platform. After the study is complete, the audio recordings will then be deleted. There will be no record matching your real name or any other identifying characteristics with your data. Your name or personal information will never be used in the reporting of this data.
HOW WILL THE RESULTS BE USED? All collected data will be analyzed and used solely for professional purposes such as scholarly journal articles or conferences. I may publish results of this study, but no names of people, schools, workplaces, communities, or other identifying characteristics will be used in any of the publications. Participants have the right to review the recording, add additional information, and/or request that all or parts not be quoted or excerpted.
WHO CAN ANSWER MY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS STUDY? If you have any questions or concerns regarding the research or your role as a participant in this study, please contact Dr. April Burns at april.burns@guttman.cuny.edu.
CLICK HERE to see if you fit the parameters of the study by answering a few eligibility questions (under 3 minutes). Your answers will be anonymous and won’t be saved. Answering these questions does not obligate you to participate, just that you meet the requirements of this particular study.
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