STAK

Informed Consent Form – Parent

Research Background

This research is being conducted by Theresa Doyle in the School of Computer Science and Statistics and forms part of her Ph D. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore how a dual-adaptive learning system matches child profiles with appropriate educational resources and teaching strategies, while simultaneously providing carers, using those recommended strategies, with support at levels consistent with their own profiles, to enable them to develop social skills in children with ASDs and meet their individual needs. Carers will be asked to comment on the effectiveness of this learning tool and the suitability of the supports and resources it offers.

Your child’s teacher has agreed to evaluate this learning tool. We would appreciate if you would permit your child to take part in this project. During this project the researcher may record children in the class role playing some scenes eg initiating interaction, conversation and play. All of this data will be anonymised so it will be impossible to trace any private personal details back to the individuals involved. There are no anticipated risks to your child’s involvement in this project.

The documentation of the findings will be published and disclosed to a body of examiners in Trinity College Dublin as well as external examiners. There may be lectures, Ph D theses, conference presentations and peer-reviewed journal articles written as a result of this project. Extracts of data may be used in these lectures etc but under no circumstances will identities of carers or children be made known and information will not be traced back to the carers and children concerned.

Declaration

• I have read, or had read to me, this consent form. I have had the opportunity to ask questions and all my questions have been answered to my satisfaction
• I understand the description of the research that is being provided to me
• I agree that my child’s data is used for scientific purposes and I have no objection that this data is published in scientific publications in a way that does not reveal my child’s identity
• The researcher will not reuse my child’s data for any other purpose than those outlined above
• Any observational sessions will be carried out only with my prior consent
• All recordings (ie audio, video and photographs) will not be identifiable
• That I must indicate my permission in writing to my child’s teacher each time he/she wishes to include photographs of my child or other personalized material to individualize educational resources
• if I decide to withdraw my child from this project, all collected information from his/her participation will be removed and will not be included in the research documentation
• I may email the researcher requesting a copy of the findings and/or the dissertation after the project has been completed
• I understand that if my child or anyone in my family has a history of epilepsy then he/she is proceeding at his/her own risk
• I shall declare any conflict of interest with this research
• If any illicit activity is reported during this project that the researcher is obliged to report it to the appropriate authorities
• I understand that everyone concerned in this project will treat the data compiled with confidentiality, including examiners who will be marking this dissertation.
• I have received a copy of this agreement

PARENT’S NAME:_________________________________________________________________________________

PARENT’S SIGNATURE:___________________________________________________________________________

Date: _______________________________________________________

Statement of researcher’s responsibility: I have explained the nature and purpose of this research study, the procedures to be undertaken and any risks that may be involved. I have offered to answer any questions and fully answered such questions. I believe that the participant understands my explanation and has freely given informed consent.

RESEARCHER’S CONTACT DETAILS:______________________________________________________________

RESEARCHER’S SIGNATURE:______________________________________________________________________

Date:________________________________________________________