Department of ______
_____ Old Main Hill
Logan UT 84322-_____
Telephone: (435) 797-______
LETTER OF INFORMATION
Title of Classroom Research Activity
Introduction/ Purpose (Dr./Professor) ____ in the Department of _____ at Utah State University is teaching [course title / letters]. As part of course requirements, students are engaged in research activities so that they may learn [research methods, data analytic techniques, professional presentation skills]. You have been asked to take part because [student] is enrolled in this course and has proposed to examine [topic]. There will be approximately ___ total participants in this research.
Procedures If you agree to be in this course research activity, you will be asked to [describe]
[Clearly describe the procedures that will involve the participant. Make clear which procedure(s) or treatment(s) are expectations, and the total time that participants’will be involved in the activity. Include the number, place, frequency of assessments,and frequency of follow-up visits if applicable being careful to distinguish between total participation (e.g., over 2 weeks) and specific time at each encounter (e.g., 1 hour interview). Use a list of procedures/expectations if it would make procedures more clear to participants.]
Risks Participation in this course research activitymay involve some risks or discomforts. These include [describe]. The information obtained during this course research activityis not intended to contribute to generalizable knowledge and as such it is not intended for publication. Should the PI pursue publication in the future, the USU IRB will again review the protocol to ensure it meets the standards of protection of human participants in research.
[Describe any physical, psychological, legal, or other risks. All studies involve at least the minimal risk of loss of confidentiality and this must be stated here. (i.e. “There is a small risk of loss of confidentiality but we will take steps to reduce this risk.”). For studies involving experimental procedures, there should be a statement that unforeseen risks could occur.
Classroom demonstration projects must be minimal risk and may not involve sensitive issues (e.g., drug and alcohol abuse, criminal activity, HIV status, cognitive status, sexual behavior), protected populations (i.e., prisoners, children under 18), or risky experimental procedures.]
BenefitsYour participation in this course research activity[is / is not] expected to lead to any direct benefit to you. [Describe any potential benefits.] You may derive personal satisfaction from supporting a student in acquiring important professional skills. [Student name] will learn about[research methods, data analytic techniques, professional presentation skills].
Explanation & offer to answer questions ______has explained this course research activity to you and answered your questions. If you have other questions or research-related problems, you may reach the course instructor, Dr. ______at (435) 797- ____ or (email).
Payment/CompensationThere is no compensation for your participation in this course research activity.
[If there is compensation, explain]
Voluntary nature of participation and rightto withdraw without consequence Participation in this course research activity is entirely voluntary. You may refuse to participate or withdraw at any time without consequence. You may be withdrawn from this study without your consent by the investigator if [List the circumstances under which participation may be terminated by the investigator without the participant’s consent, if any. If applicable, explain how to notify the PI of withdrawal and how this may affect any expected compensation.]
Confidentiality Records from course research activitywill be kept confidential, consistent with federal and state regulations that apply to research. Only [student] and [professor]will have access to the data which will be kept in a locked file cabinet or on an encrypted USU computer account to maintain confidentiality. If data collection is not anonymous, describe measures to protect participant identities, (i.e. “”To protect your privacy, personal, identifiable information will be removed from documents and replaced with a [numerical identifier / pseudonym]. Identifying information will be stored separately from data.”)If your study involves video or audio recordings for training purposes, explain how and when they will be de-identified. All information will be destroyed at the end of the semester or after final grading has been completed for the student, whichever comes later.
IRB StatementThe Institutional Review Board for the protection of human participants at Utah State University has granted permission for this course research activityunder the Classroom Research Procedures ( Under this policy, the IRB has given the classroom professor authority to approve activities and monitor compliance with federal regulations regarding the protection of human participants in research. If you have any questions or concerns about the course research activityor suspect that your participation has extended into generalizable research or sensitive areas not covered by the Classroom Research Policy, such as:
-sensitive issues (i.e. drug and alcohol abuse, criminal activity, HIV status, cognitive status, sexual behavior),
-protected populations (i.e., prisoners, children under 18), or
-risky experimental procedures,
you may contact the IRB Administrator at (435) 797-0567 or email to obtain information or to offer input.
Student Statement“I certify that the course research activityhas been explained to the individual, by me, and that the individual understands the nature and purpose, the possible risks and benefits associated with taking part in this research study. Any questions that have been raised have been answered.”
Signature of Researcher(s)
______
Enter Name of ProfessorEnter Name of Student
Course InstructorEnrolled Student
(Telephone—local number preferred)(Telephone—local number preferred)
(email address)(email address)