Informed Consent Form

Optimizing a Windows-Based Computer Data Acquisition

and Reduction System for the General Chemistry Laboratory

Dear Student,

We are conducting a study to determine the best way to teach General Chemistry laboratories.

The study is part of a project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF/DUE 9652855). In this study you will be asked to complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator survey, and a Background Survey. The rest of the study involves your participation in a standard laboratory program, which is a required part of General Chemistry. Your participation for the optional surveys should take less than an hour.

There are no additional risks or costs to you. The study will involve trying various different ways to conduct experiments in our nationally-recognized, computerized General Chemistry laboratory. None of the laboratory work will be any more difficult or time consuming than is typically the case for General Chemistry, but you will have the opportunity to work in a truly state-of-the-art laboratory which has been described in a series of articles in international journals. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has also funded a series of workshops where college professors from about 40 of the states have visited our laboratory for a week during the summer to study our approach. Now the NSF has funded a project to develop a Windows-based laboratory system which is the best possible for General Chemistry students.

All information from our surveys will be handled in a strictly confidential manner, so that no one will be able to identify you when the results are reported. The database will be maintained by an outside consultant on a secure computer.

Your participation in this study is totally voluntary and you may withdraw at any time without negative consequences. If you wish to withdraw simply contact Dr. Ed Vitz (Extension 4443 or email vitz@kutztown.edu).

Feel free to contact the Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Ed Vitz, at the phone number above if you have any questions about the study at any time.

I understand the study described above and have been given a copy of the description as outlined above. I am 18 years of age or older and I agree to participate.

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Signature of Participant / date