Consent Form
Thank you for participating in this survey. You will be asked a series of questions about your experience of using collaboration tools in global software engineering practices.
First, please read the information below. Note that you are not obligated to complete this survey and may stop at any time.
RESEARCH PURPOSE
The purpose of this research project is to study the kinds of media sources people use to learn about news and politics online.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this form is to give you information to help you decide if you want to take part in a research study. This consent form includes information about:
1. why the study is being done;
2. the things that you will be asked to do if you are in the study;
3. any known risks involved;
4. any potential benefit; and options, other than taking part in this study, that you have.
Take all the time you need to decide whether you want to take part in this research study.
WHY IS THIS STUDY BEING DONE?
The purpose of this research project is to study practitioners' attitude and usage of collaboration tools in global software engineering.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THIS STUDY?
You will be asked a series of questions about your experience of using collaboration tools in global software engineering practices. In addition, we will ask some basic demographic questions and your culture background. Please note that one section of the survey will ask you to imagine some scenarios related to collaboration. Taking part in this study will last no longer than 15 minutes.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THE STUDY?
Although it is not a risk, taking part in this study involves the inconvenience of giving up to 10-15 minutes of your time in order to complete the questionnaire.
ARE THERE BENEFITS TO TAKING PART IN THE STUDY?
You will not receive personal (direct) benefit from taking part in this research study. However, the information collected from this research may help others in the future.
WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?
We will do everything we can to keep your data secure; however, complete confidentiality cannot be promised. Despite all of our efforts, unanticipated problems such as a stolen computer may occur, although it is highly unlikely.
Anyway, this survey is fully anonymous. There is no question to collect your personal identification.
DO I HAVE TO BE IN THE STUDY?
Participation in this study is voluntary. Refusal to participate will involve no penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. You may discontinue participation at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
WHOM DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS?
If you have any questions while taking part in this research study, you should contact Yi Wang at yiw@ics.uci.edu. Principal investigator: Professor David Redmiles (redmiles@ics.uci.edu). If you have any questions about your rights as a research subject, you should contact the Institutional Review Board by phone at (949) 824-0018 or by email at irb@rgs.uci.edu. More information about taking part in a research study can be found on the IRB website.
ELIGIBILITY
You are only eligible to take this survey if you are currently participating in open source software development or participated in during last 12 months. If not, please click "QUIT" to leave this survey. If you have such experience and want to participate this survey, please click "Consent, and NEXT >>" to proceed to next page.
I have read the above purpose of the study, and understand my role in taking part in the research. I volunteer to take part in this research. I have had a chance to ask questions. If I have questions later, about the research, I can ask the investigator listed above. I understand that I may refuse to participate or withdraw from participation at any time without jeopardizing my employment, student status or other rights to which I am entitled. The investigator may withdraw me at his/her professional discretion. If I have questions about my rights as a research participant, I can call the Institutional Review Board office at (949) 824-0018. I certify that I am 18 years of age or older and freely give my consent to participate in this study.