Sample Parental Permission Form
Your child is invited to be in a research study about what children believe about lying and telling the truth. We are asking that your child take part because your child is in the age group we want to study. We ask that you read this form and ask any questions you may have before agreeing to allow your child to take part in this study.
The study: The purpose of this study is to find out when and why children begin to expect that others may be telling lies. It is also designed to find which types of people children suspect may lie or expect will tell the truth. If you agree to allow your child to take part, your child will be asked to fill out a 60-question survey. Your child will be asked to rate how much she or he expects certain types of people to lie or tell the truth. Your child will also be asked to describe why he or she thinks that. Examples of the types of people your child will be asked about include politicians, teachers, and parents. The questionnaire will take about one (1) hour to complete.
Risks and benefits: The risks in this study are that questions about parents or teachers lying or telling the truth are somewhat sensitive. There are no benefits to you or your child if he or she takes part in the study.
Compensation: Each child in this study will receive a small book or toy. Your child will receive the gift even if he or she stops before finishing the survey.
Confidentiality: The records of this study will be kept private. The survey will ask only for gender and age, and will not include your child’s name. It will not be possible to figure out your child’s answers. Surveys will be kept securely for three (3) years after this study ends.
Voluntary Participation: Your child’s participation in this study is completely voluntary. Your child may skip any questions he or she doesn't feel comfortable answering. Your decision whether or not to allow your child to take part will not affect your current or future relationship with Cornell University or with your child’s school. If you decide to allow your child to take part, your child is free to not do the survey or to skip any questions. You are free to withdraw your child at any time without affecting your relationship with the University or your child's school.
The researcher for this study is Jane Smith. You may reach her at 522-2468, or janesmith@cornell.edu. Please feel free to ask any questions you have now, or at any point in the future. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's rights as a research subject, you may contact the Cornell Institutional Review Board (IRB) at 607-255-5138, or you may access their website at http://www.irb.cornell.edu. You may also report your concerns or complaints anonymously through Ethicspoint or by calling toll free at 1-866-293-3077. Ethicspoint is an independent organization that serves as a liaison between the University and the person bringing the complaint so that anonymity can be ensured.
You will be given a copy of this consent form for your records.
Please enter your child's name and sign below if you give consent for your child to participate in this study.
Your child's name: ________________________________________________
Your signature: ___________________________________________________ Date _____________
Your printed name: ________________________________________________ Date _____________
Signature of person obtaining consent: ________________________________ Date _____________
Printed name of person obtaining consent: _____________________________ Date _____________
This consent form will be kept by the researcher for at least three years beyond the end of the study and was approved by the IRB on May 31, 2006.