Informed Consent

Consent to Participate in

A Study of the Networking Behavior of Kentucky Mayors and

Its Effect on Legislative Communication

Principal Investigator: Matthew Howell

Eastern Kentucky University

 

                First, thank you for taking the time to look at my survey.  Every four years I ask mayors to tell me how their network has changed, and it is very helpful to understanding how local officials communicate and how they solve problems.  We have previously learned where elected officials meet and discuss issues with other officials, and that relationships do develop over time, and are not just built on similarities in your offices.  This year, I would like to ask how your networking affects your communication with the Kentucky state legislature early in the current session and then again in the summer and fall to see how your relationships with your fellow officials and state representatives developed.

                The principal investigator for this study is Dr. Matthew Howell, a professor at Eastern Kentucky University.  You may contact Matthew at any time with questions about the study, or contact the EKU Office of Sponsored Programs.  If you would like to see copies of the previous reports, please contact Matthew.

                Matthew L Howell, EKU                                                  matthew.howell@eku.edu            (859) 622-4392  

                Tiffany Hamblin, Office of Sponsored Programs         tiffany.hamblin@eku.edu             (859) 622-3636

                Before beginning, you should know that network surveys cannot be confidential.  Even removing your name from the data, your city and location could still be determined.  If you do not wish to participate in this survey, do not continue.  Participation in this survey is up to you and no one will be upset if you choose not to participate or later decide to opt out.  You can quit the survey at any time, and skip any questions you choose.

                If you wish to take this survey, please check the box below, and then click “next” to continue to the survey.  This signifies that you have been told about this study, why it is being done, and what to do.  It should take 5-15 minutes at the longest to complete, depending on how many contacts you have.

                Thank you again for your help.

Question Title

* 1. I agree to answer this survey

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