Informed Consent ProcessYou are invited to participate in a market research study regarding Protein Bars. I will be inviting users of Protein Bars to participate in this study.This form is part of a process called “informed consent” which will allow you to understand pertinent information regarding this study before deciding whether or not to participate.This study is being conducted by the following researchers (Adetutu Gbadebo, Andrew Szpindor, Mae Tandoc, & Genesis Velazquez) who are students in a Market Research course at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA.Background Information:The purpose of this specific study is to identify consumers’ perceptions and understand consumer shopping behavior. The study will involve answering some questions, which should take about 15 minutes.Procedures:If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to: Complete an online survey. You would complete the survey in a location of your choosing. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to finish.Voluntary Nature of the Study:This study is voluntary. Everyone involved in creating and administering this study will respect your decision whether or not you choose to participate in the study. No one will treat you differently if you decide not to participate in the study. If you decide to join the study now, you can change your mind later by not completing or submitting the online survey. You may stop at any time before you submit the completed survey. No names are being collected; therefore, the survey is anonymous. Because the survey is anonymous, no one will know if you participated or elected not to participate.Risks and Benefits of Being in the Study:Being in this type of study involves some risk of the minor discomforts that can be encountered in daily life, such as fatigue, stress or becoming upset. Being in this study would not pose a risk to your safety or wellbeing. Potential benefits of this study include the identification of recommendations to strengthen a current product. Another benefit to participating in this study includes helping college students gain real market research experiences.Payment:No compensation will be provided for participation in this study.Privacy:Any information you provide will be kept confidential. I will not use your information for any reason outside of this project. Also, I will not include your name or other items that could identify you in the study reports. I will keep data on a secure, password protected, cloud-based, file storage and retrieval program as well as a laptop computer for a minimum of 5years, as required by the university. Again, this information will be kept anonymous, untraceable, and confidential.Contacts and Questions:You may ask any questions you have now by contacting me via email at gvelazquez@mail.uscience.edu . If you have any questions or concerns regarding your rights as a subject, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Barbara Diemer, the professor for the market research course. Her email address is b.diemer@usciences.edu and her phone number is 215-596-8583. I also recommend that you keep a copy of this form for your records by printing or saving a copy.Statement of Consent:I have read the above information and I feel I understand the study well enough to make a decision about my involvement. By clicking “I agree”, I acknowledge that I have been informed and understand the information regarding my participation in this study. I consent voluntarily to be a participant in this study. Please print or save this consent form for your records. To protect your privacy, I will not ask for a consent signature.