INFORMED CONSENT:
The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas supports the practice of protection for human subjects participating in research. The following information is provided for you to decide whether you wish to participate in the present study.
Participation in this study is voluntary. You may refuse to participate, skip any question, or withdraw at any time without penalty. Non-participation or withdrawal will not affect grades or academic standing. Confidentiality of research records will be strictly maintained by the survey’s nature, which allows the participant to stay anonymous.
This research study will be conducted by Sara Erlichman of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at University of Kansas, as a part of a graduate requirement. Her faculty advisor is Dr. Genelle Belmas, a Professor in the Journalism and Mass Communication department at University of Kansas.
We are conducting this research study to better understand parasocial interaction within fandom culture. This will entail your completion of a survey. Your participation is expected to take approximately 15 minutes to complete. If agreed to be in this research study, you will be asked to answer questions to the survey that is part of this study, answering various questions about the media use, fandom, and your thoughts. There are no known risks associated with the participation of this research beyond those of everyday life. Results from this study may add to the body of literature about social media use and fandom.
Although participation may not benefit you directly, we believe that the information obtained from this study will help us gain a better understanding of the dynamics of fandom culture and functions of parasocial interaction. Your participation is solicited, although strictly voluntary. Your name will not be associated in any way with the research findings. You will not be asked for any form of identifiable information, keeping your participation anonymous (It is possible, however, with internet communications, that through intent or accident someone other than the intended recipient may see your response). There will be no audio/visual recordings.
If you would like additional information concerning this study before or after it is completed, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.
Continuing to the survey indicates you have carefully read this Information Statement, and are fully competent to give consent to complete this survey. You may print this Informed Consent. By continuing with the survey, you agree to the following statement: I have carefully read and understand the terms used in this consent form and their significance was explained to me. Additionally, I agree that I am at least 18 years of age and agree to participate in this research by completing this survey.
If you have any additional questions about your rights as a research participant, you may call (785) 864-7429 or write the Human Subjects Committee Lawrence Campus (HSCL), University of Kansas, 2385 Irving Hill Road, Lawrence, Kansas 66045-7563, email irb@ku.edu.
Sincerely,
Sara Erlichman
Principal Investigator
Department of Journalism
Stouffer-Flint Hall
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS 66045
srerlichman@ku.edu
Professor Genelle Belmas, Ph.D.
Faculty Supervisor
Department of Journalism
Stouffer-Flint Hall
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS 66045
gbelmas@ku.edu