Disclosure Statement
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to explore experiences of community and sense of connection to community among adults residing in Salem, MA who are 65 years of age and older. Through this study we hope to learn how perceived community barriers and supports relate to community connection.
PARTICIPATION: Taking part in this survey is completely voluntary. You may stop participating at any time. You are free to decline to answer any question you do not wish to answer. There are no right or wrong answers. All answers will remain completely anonymous.
RISKS: There are no foreseeable risks involved in participating in this study other than those minimal risks encountered in day-to-day life.
BENEFITS: The benefits of this study include providing participants an opportunity to share how you define and experience community connection. Findings from this study may be useful for understanding the older adults’ perspective of community connection in Salem.
ANONYMITY/CONFIDENTIALITY: Your name or identity will not be used in reports or presentations of the findings of this research. Information provided to the researchers will be kept anonymous with the exception of information which must be reported under Massachusetts and Federal law such as cases of child or elder abuse. This research project has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Salem State University.
An analysis of the results and an explanation of the study will be available in the Salem State University Research Day scheduled for May 1, 2026.
For any questions about the research please contact Lisa Johnson, faculty advisor at ljohnson2@salemstate.edu, or Grace Crowley, student researcher, at g_crowley1@salemstate.edu.
For concerns about your treatment as a research participant, please contact:
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Salem State University
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 542-4701 or irb@salemstate.edu
This research project has been reviewed by the Institutional Review Board at Salem State University in accordance with US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Human Research Protections 45 CFR part 46 and does not constitute approval by the host institution.
ELECTRONIC CONSENT: Continuing with this survey indicates that you have read the above information, that you are voluntarily agreeing to participate and that you are 65 years of age or older.