Copy of Preparedness and Self-Efficacy as Predictors of K-12 Special Education Teachers’ Stigma of Autism

Informed Consent

Introduction

The title of this research study is Preparedness and Self-Efficacy as Predictors of K-12 Special Education Teachers’ Stigma of Autism


I am Benjamin Richardson, a doctoral student under the supervision of Dr. Robert Hess in the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University.

The purpose of this study is to examine K-12 special education teachers’ stigma of autism. The research will do this by examining teacher preparedness within the classroom and teacher beliefs about their capabilities to teach within the classroom.


Key Information

This document defines the terms and conditions for consenting to participate in this research study.

How do I know if I can be in this study?

o You can participate in this study if you:
o Are a K-12 special education teacher.
o Teach within the United States.
o Member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers Facebook group.

o You cannot participate in this study if you:
o Live outside of the United States.
o Are an administrator of a school.


Research Activities: What am I being asked to do?
If you agree to be in this study, you will be asked to:

o What?
o The participants of this study will be asked to complete demographic survey questions about their sex and years of service in teaching (2 minutes).
o Following these questions, participants will continue with a survey that includes questions about their preparedness and self-efficacy (15 minutes).
o When?
This will take place in the months of October through December.
o Where?
The research will take place online, through the website SurveyMonkey.
o How?
o This research will utilize an online survey using a secure research platform called SurveyMonkey.


Who will have access to my data/information?
I will have access to all of your data and information. In addition, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

Am I required to participate in this study?
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. After reading this informed consent, you can decide whether to participate in this study or not. Also, if you choose to participate and then change your mind, you can leave the study at any time, even if you have not finished, without any penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you decide to stop participation, you may do so by stop taking the survey and exiting SurveyMonkey. If so, I will not use the information that I collected from you before you chose to stop.


Any possible risks or discomforts?
There are no foreseeable risks or discomforts associated with this study.

Any direct benefits for me?
No

Any paid compensation or incentives for my time?
Participants will not get paid for their participation.
Presentation of Information Collected

The research data will be presented by being published as a dissertation. This will also be presented within a final dissertation defense.

Privacy and Data Security

Will researchers ever be able to link my data/responses back to me?
No

Will my initial data include information that can identify me (names, addresses, or other identifying material, such as audio, specific demographics, etc.) .
Initial data will not include any identifying information that can identify participants.


Will researchers assign my data/responses a research ID code to use instead of my name?
No

If yes, how will researchers create a list to link names with their research ID codes?

If yes, how will researchers secure the link of names and research ID codes? How long will the link be kept? Who has access? What is the approximate destruction date?

How and where will my data be protected (electronic and hardcopy)?
The data will be protected in an encrypted electronic file. This will include informed consent and data.

Will artificial intelligence (AI) software be used?
No

How long will the data be kept in the protected space?
Three years.

Who will have access to the protected data?
I will have access to all of your data and information. In addition, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

What is the privacy policy for survey platforms (Survey Monkey, Qualtrics, mTurk, Google, etc.), any recording software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.), interview software, survey software, artificial intelligence software, or transcription software companies?:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/legal/privacy/

Where and how will the signed informed consent forms be secured?
Informed consent documents will be held in a different encrypted file and will consist of “I agree” or “I do not agree” statements.
Future Research

No identifiers will be collected for this study, the de-identified information could be used for future research studies or distributed to other investigators for future research studies without additional informed consent from you or your legally authorized representative.

Study Contacts

If you have questions about your rights as a subject/participant in this research, or if you feel you have been placed at risk, you can contact the Chair of the Human Subjects Institutional Review Board through the College of Doctoral Studies at IRB@gcu.edu; (602) 639-7804.
You have been given an opportunity to read and discuss the informed consent and ask questions about this study.
You have been given enough time to consider whether or not you want to participate.
You have read and understand the terms and conditions and agree to take part in this research study.
You understand your participation is voluntary and that you may stop participation at any time without penalty.

*For Individuals within the state of California:
- You have the right to know about the personal information that is collected about you and how it is used and shared.
- You have the right to delete any personal information that is collected from you (with some exceptions).
- You have the right to opt-out of any sale or sharing of personal information including via the GCP (Global Privacy Control).
- You have the right to non-discrimination for exercising you CCPA rights.