Informed Consent Form


Title
Using Wikipedia to foster historical thinking in social studies: Digging beyond the facts.

Purpose
We are studying the development of historical thinking skills within preservice social studies instruction.  The study will focus specifically on an in-class project using Wikipedia.  

Participation Description
This study is an extension of a classroom activity. There is no extra work required on any participants' part; our only request is that we use your written responses (which will be made anonymous) as our data. Also, we will not know who participated in the study.

Procedures for Discontinuation
To withdraw from the study, send an email to Dr. Christy Keeler (ckeeler@unlv.nevada.edu or christy@keelers.com) informing her of your intent to withdraw. There are no negative consequences for withdrawing from the study.  

Length of Time Participation Will Require
Participation will take no time on your part, other than filling out this informed consent agreement.    

Possible Risks and Benefits
The risks from participating in this study are not more than would be encountered in everyday life.  Participation in this research will not affect your standing in this course.  While we cannot promise any direct benefit from participating in this study, we hope that the knowledge of how best to teach and learn historical thinking skills will have significant public benefits for the teaching profession as we further develop our best practices.  

Confidentiality
All information provided throughout the course of this study will be kept confidential.  This means that, while subjects' identities potentially could be determined from the information given, we have taken steps to ensure that you will not be identified.  Your name will not be included in any records or description of the study. Researchers at Lehigh University will not see your data until after this academic period is concluded. Local copies of confidential data will be stored in a locked office within the College of Education at Lehigh University so that only authorized people will have access to the research records.  All information from the study stored on a computer will be secured with a password.  When research data are no longer useful and has been on records for three years, they will be destroyed.

Your participation in this research is completely voluntary. You are free to withdraw at any point and discontinue participation in the project at any time with no reason offered. Just as the instructor did not know of your initial participation, your instructor will not know of your withdrawal.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact any of the following:
If you have questions about your rights as a subject, contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at (610)-758-3021.

By signing and submitting below, please indicate whether you wish to participate in this research project:

Participant Name:   Date:   Institution:  

"I agree to participate in the study."
 
"I decline to participate in the study."