Page 1: Project Introduction and Informed Consent

Title of Project – Generation Z: Understanding preferred methods of communication

Name of Lead Researcher – Gill Renfree

Thank you for taking your time to show interest in the study.  Please read the information stated below carefully to ensure that you have considered whether you wish to take part in this study.  Participation is completely voluntary and if you do decide to take part you will be asked to complete a short, informed consent form below. If you have any questions please direct them to Gill Renfree by email at g.renfree@worc.ac.uk 

As a member of Generation Z (those born between 1996 to date, the first generation to have instant access to the internet from a very young age) by participating in this online survey, you will be answering a variety of open-ended questions in addition to some ranking questions.

The purpose of the study is:

  1. To investigate Generation Z’s preferred methods of communication
  2. To understand the rationale behind communication preferences

Therefore, questions will be focused on topics such as methods of communication and asking for your preferences. 

What will happen if you agree to take part? 

If you agree to take part, you will undertake an online survey which should take approximately 5-10 minutes of your time. If you do not feel comfortable answering any of the questions you are able to leave the answer blank or you can withdraw from the study by not submitting your data.  

Will the information I give stay confidential? 

No names, organisations or contact details are being asked for as part of this online survey therefore it is completely confidential and all participants will remain anonymous. Only the lead researcher will have access to the raw data collected. This is in line with the University of Worcester Data Protection Policy, GDPR, and Data Protection Act 1998. The data will be preserved for a minimum of 10 years. 

What will happen to the results of the research study? 

Your information along with information gathered from other participants in the research project will be used to seek new knowledge and understanding that can be derived from the information we have gathered. The researchers aim to publish the findings from this study in a peer- reviewed academic journal. 

 

You can withdraw yourself at any point from the study prior to submitting your data at the end of the survey.  However, once the data has been submitted you will not be able to withdraw due to the anonymous nature of the data collection. You will be reminded of this prior to submitting your data at the end of the survey.

I confirm that (please tick the boxes as appropriate):

1.1. I have read and understood the information about the project, as provided in the Participant Information Sheet and Privacy Notice or it has been read to me. Required
2.2. I have been able to ask questions about the project and my participation and my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. Required
3.3. I understand that taking part in this study involves completing an online survey, including a variety of open-ended and ranking questions. Required
4.4. I understand I can withdraw at any time during survey completion without giving reasons and that I will not be penalised for withdrawing nor will I be questioned on why I have withdrawn. Required
5.5. I understand that once I have submitted my data, I will not be able to withdraw from the study. Required
6.6. I understand that the information I provide will be used for research publications. Required
7.7. The procedures regarding confidentiality have been clearly explained (e.g. use of names, pseudonyms, anonymisation of data, etc.) to me. Required
8.8. I understand that other researchers will have access to this data only if they agree to preserve the confidentiality of the data and if they agree to the terms I have specified in this form. Required
9.9. I voluntarily agree to participate in the project. Required
10.10. I know who to contact if I have any concerns about this research. Required

Thank you for consenting to participate in the research project titled Generation Z: understanding preferred methods of communication. 

You can now continue to the next page to start answering the survey.