Study Description

California State University, Dominguez Hills

Consent to Act as a Research Subject
You are being asked to participate in a research study.  Before you give your consent to volunteer, it is important that you read the following information and ask as many questions as necessary to be sure that you understand what you will be asked to do.

Investigators: Claudius Shropshire---Student  cshropshire2@toromail.csudh.edu

 Anne Soon Choi, Ph.D. MSW, MPH achoi@csudh.edu           310-243-3640.

 Purpose of the Study: While the experiences of African American athletes in popular sports such as football and basketball are well documented. We know less about African American athletes in lesser known sports such as triathlons. Consequently, this study aims to collect data about a) obstacles that African American athletes face in the sport b) the reasons why African Americans athletes are drawn to the sport and c) the experiences of African Americans as minority athletes in the sport. There is no other way to gather this information without seeking information directly from African American triathletes themselves. The findings from this survey will be analyzed and the resulting information would provide insight for all those interested in expanding the demographics within the sport.

Description of the Study:  The study will collect survey data via an online survey on Survey Monkey. Basic demographic information will be collected. Additional topics covered include: obstacles to participating in triathlons and overall experience participating in the sport. The survey is comprised of ten questions and will take 20-30 minutes to complete.

Risks or Discomforts:  The risks in participating in this study are minimal. if at any time you feel uncomfortable, you may discontinue your participation in the survey without penalty or obligation.

 

Benefits of the Study: The potential benefits of this study are indirect. Your participation in this online survey/focus group will allow us to better understand the experiences of African Americans who participate in triathlons.

 

Confidentiality:  Your responses will be automatically compiled in a spreadsheet and cannot be linked to you to provide anonymity. All data will be stored in a password protected electronic format. The results of the study will be used for scholarly purposes only. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent allowed by law.  

 

Incentives to Participate: There are no incentives for participation.

 Voluntary Nature of Participation:  Participation in this study is voluntary.  Your choice of whether or not to participate will not influence your future relations with California State University, Dominguez Hills. If you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw your consent and to stop your participation at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are entitled.

 

Questions about the Study: If you have any questions about this study or your rights as a participant, you may call the investigator/faculty advisor Anne Soon Choi, Ph.D, MPH, MSW  310-243-3640, or the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects at CSUDH, 310-243-3756. 

By beginning the survey, you acknowledge that you have read this information and agree to participate in this research. You are free to withdraw your participation at any time without penalty.

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* 1. What is your gender?

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* 2. What is your ethnicity? (Please select all that apply.)

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* 3. What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have received?

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* 4. What is the year of your birth?

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* 5. What made you start participating in triathlons?

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* 6. How long have you been competing in triathlons?

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* 7. What do you enjoy about competing in triathlons?

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* 8. As an African American have you encountered any obstacles or challenges in participating in triathlons? Please provide specific example.

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* 9. Why do you think the number of African Americans participating in triathlons is so low (0.5% of triathlon participants are African American)?

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* 10. What suggestions do you have to increase African American participation in triathlons?

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