Human Subjects Consent Form

Consent to Participate in a Research Study

Project Title:  The Impact of Early Music Education on Musical Achievement in College

Investigator: Sarah Cooke- Eastern Michigan University

Faculty Advisor/ Investigator: Dr. Theresa R. Merrill- Eastern Michigan University

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a positive correlation between early childhood music education, and musical achievement in college. This is a research project being conducted by Sarah Cooke at Eastern Michigan University. You are invited to participate in this study because you are part of an existing music theory, aural skills, or piano class at Eastern Michigan University.

Procedure:

The procedure involves completing an online e-questionnaire about your early music experiences, the level of difficulty you currently experience in performing musical tasks, and your average GPA range.

The questionnaire will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

Upon completing the questionnaire, you will be instructed to print a duplicate copy of this informed consent, which includes follow-up contact information, if needed.

Confidentiality:

Your questionnaire will be identified by an individual code number and all data will be stored in a password-protected electronic format. To help protect your confidentiality, the surveys will not contain information that will personally identify you.

Dissemination of Results:

The results of this study will be used for scholarly purposes only and may be shared with Eastern Michigan University representatives, presented at academic conferences or published in scholarly journals. Results will be presented in aggregate form only. No names or individually identifying information will be revealed.

Voluntary Participation:

Participation in the study is completely voluntary and you may withdraw at any time without negative consequences.

Risks and Benefits:

There are no known risks or benefits related to your participation, although this study does have the potential benefit of expanding the field of knowledge related to early music education and music achievement in college.

Unfortunately, we are not able to compensate you for your participation, but we do value your input and information.

Future Questions:

If you have any questions concerning your participation in this study now or in the future, you can contact the project director, Dr. Theresa R. Merrill, MT-BC, FAMI at 734.487.0198 or via e-mail at tmerril1@emich.edu.

This research protocol and informed consent document has been reviewed and approved by the Eastern Michigan University Human Subjects Review Committee for use from 2/25/11 to 2/24/12.  If you have questions about the approval process, please contact Dr. Deb de Laski-Smith (734.487.0042, Interim Dean of the Graduate School and Administrative Co-Chair of UHSCR, human.subjects@emich.edu)

Consent to Participate:

I have read or had read to me all of the above information about this research study, including the research procedures, possible risks, side effects, and the likelihood of any benefit to me. The content and meaning of this information has been explained and I understand. All my questions, at this time, have been answered. I hereby consent and do voluntarily offer to follow the study requirements and take part in the study.

I consent       c                                            I do not consent     c *

*- Via Electronic Survey Tool.