Informed Consent Documentation

This survey is being run by Timothy Minnick, a Shippensburg University master’s student, on behalf of the Association for Professional Landscape Designers (APLD).

PURPOSE:
APLD’s Healthy Pots, Healthy Planet coalition has a mission to inform and drive a shift in the horticulture marker toward sustainable alternative plant container. The purpose of this survey is to assess the current use of alternative plant containers by growers and manufacturers and analyze market demand for alternative container options.

PROCEDURE:
Participants who choose to proceed with the survey will answer a variety of questions about the current use of alternative containers and their assessment of the future use or alternative containers.

POTENTIAL RISKS:
There are no risks in taking this survey. Responses will be used solely for the purpose of evaluating the current trends in alternative container use.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
By participating, you will help APLD assess the market and provide valuable data to guide APLD’s efforts advocating for alternative container options. This survey will also provide participants with insights to help position them to meet the demands of market consumers.

TIME REQUIREMENT:
This survey will take about 20 minutes to complete.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND ANONYMITY PROTECTIONS PROVIDED TO PARTICIPANTS:
This survey is completely anonymous. You will not be asked to provide any personally identifying information, and you are not required to give a response to any question you don't feel comfortable answering.

All data will be reported in aggregate and NO individual cases will be reported.

All data files will be stored electronically on password-protected computers. These computers are designed to automatically log-out after five minutes of being idle. Data will be transferred between APLD staff and Timothy Minnick (Principal Investigator) using a password-protected data storage device.

Only APLD staff and Timothy Minnick (Principal Investigator) will have access to the computers and data storage device. Only APLD staff and Timothy Minnick (Principal Investigator) will be given the password to access the data storage device.

Participants’ IP address will NOT be collected by the online surveyors.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Principal Investigator: Timothy Minnick, tm0671@ship.edu
Research Advisor: Dr. Kyle Heim, krheim@ship.edu, (717) 477, 1152
IRB Chair: Dr. Todd Whitman, IRB@ship.edu, (717) 477-1251

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION:
Participation in this study is voluntary, and you may drop out at any time without penalty. In addition, you are not required to answer any item(s) you do not wish to answer.

Question Title

* 1. ELIGIBILITY:
I am at least 18 years of age, and by answering “yes,” I consent to participate in this study but may withdraw at any time.

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