

Project Title and Purpose:

You have been invited to participate in a research study about perceptions of online news stories.



Investigator(s):

This study is being conducted by Sean McKelvey, a graduate student at Queens University of Charlotte in the Knight School of Communication under the supervision of Dr. John A. McArthur.



Description and Length of Participation:

In this study you will be asked to read the news article below, then answer the survey questions. Your participation will take approximately 10 minutes. If you decided to participate, you will be one of approximately 800 participants in the study.



Risk and Benefits of Participation:

There are no risks known at this time associated with participating in the study However, there may be risk that are currently unforeseeable. The only benefit of participation in this study is the knowledge you will gain about the topic being investigated. The results of the study will be used for research. You may obtain a copy of all results by contacting me any time after May 2nd. You will not receive financial reimbursement for your participation.



Volunteer Statement

You are a volunteer. The decision to participate in this study is completely up to you. If you decide to be in the study, you may stop at any time. You may skip any item you do not wish to answer. You will not be treated any differently if you decide not to participate or if you stop once you have started.



Confidentiality

All information you provide will be anonymous. You will not be identified nor, will your name appear with the data, which will be reported only in aggregate form.



Fair Treatment and Respect:

Queens University of Charlotte wants to make sure that you are treated in a fair and respectful manner. Contact the University’s Institutional Review Board chair (Dr. Jeremiah Wills, Willsj@queens.edu, 704-688-2835) if you have any questions about how you have been treated as a study participant. If you have any questions about the project, please contact mckelveys@queens.edu



By clicking next, I agree that I have read the above information and I voluntarily agree to participate in this study.



