Informed Consent
While Synthesizing Practices involves research, it is primarily a practicum project and obviously does not pose the kinds of risks involved in biomedical research. Rather, it involves “scholarly and journalistic activities...that focus directly on specific individuals."
But still, the use of informed consent is an important ethical consideration for qualitative interviewing.
Informed consent establishes a transparent environment and a good working relationship between me (the interviewer) and you (the participant). Informed consent outlines the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved to minimize the risks of misunderstandings or conflict.
I use a simple informed consent format adapted from Irving Seidman's classic textbook "Interviewing as Qualitative Research."
Informed Consent
for participation in the practicum project Synthesizing Practices: Art History’s Applications Outside the Classroom _I…………………………...........………… voluntarily agree to participate in the practicum project Synthesizing Practices.
_I understand that even if I agree to participate now, I can withdraw at any time or refuse to answer any question without any consequences of any kind.
_I understand that I can withdraw permission to use footage/data from my interview within two weeks after the interview, in which case the material will be deleted.
_I have had the purpose and nature of the project explained to me in writing and I have had the opportunity to ask questions about the project.
_I understand that participation involves up to three short video interviews, recorded by video and audio, and additional footage of my school/work/professional activities as determined between myself and the interviewer.
_I understand that I will not benefit monetarily from participating in this project.
_I understand that edited extracts from my interviews will be used in the final video project and written analysis, and will be presented by Laura Todd to her practicum committee on May 21st, 2020 to fulfill the partial requirements of the Master of Arts in Art History (practicum) degree.
_I understand that signed consent forms and original recordings will be retained by Laura Todd in electronic storage until the completion of the project on May 21st, after which they will be destroyed.
_I understand the the edited interviews, in the form of a short documentary video series, will be retained by Laura Todd but will not be distributed, reproduced, or displayed without my written consent.
_I understand that I am free to contact any of the people involved in the project to seek further clarification and information.
Signature of project participant
-------------------------------------------------------
Signature of participant / Date
I believe the participant is giving informed consent to participate in this study
------------------------------------------------------
Signature of project manager / Date