You are being asked if you would like to take part in a research study
that examines middle and high school youth's participation in structured
activities during the out-of-school hours. The study is being conduct
by researchers at two institutions: Penn State University and
University of Arizona.
On behalf of those researchers, I am asking you to complete an on-line
survey that should take approximately 20 minutes of your time to complete.
Before making your decision, let me take a moment to explain the study.
This study focuses on youth participation in organized activities,
such as: Band, debate team, school sports, community sports,
community choral society, 4-H club, etc. Specifically, we are asking
youth to complete an on-line survey about their participation in these
activities. The survey is completed on-line. It asks youth about how
they made their decisions to join certain activities and not join or
quit other activities, what they do in those activities, and what they
get from being involved in those activities.
Because we do not ask you your name or any other identifiable
information, we can ensure that the information you provide is
anonymous. Once a survey is completed the data are immediately
transferred to a secure password-protected server at Penn State
University. Your anonymity will be maintained to the degree
permitted by the technology used. Specifically, no guarantees
can be made regarding the interception of data sent via the Internet
by any third parties. The data will be destroyed ten years after the
project has been completed. Access to the electronic data files will
only be accessible to the researchers and their assistants. Thus, no
one will be able to identify you in any reports that result from the
analysis. There will be no compensation or any other direct benefit
for the participants; however, at the end of the study a final report
will be placed on the Website where you completed your survey.
Given that on-line surveys involve neither participant
identification nor sensitive questions, there are no apparent
risks to participation in this study. Benefits of participating
in the study may include the satisfaction associated with contributing
valuable feedback to the ongoing development of what makes a good youth
activity. Your input can help youth programs and activities be more
exciting to youth and more successful in engaging youth in fun activities.
Your participation is voluntary. You do not have to participate or
answer any question that you do not wish to answer, and you may withdraw
from the on-line survey at any point without consequence.
If you have any questions, or need any additional information, please
feel free to call one of the researchers: Dr. Perkins at 814-863-1688;
Dr. Lynne Borden at 520-621-1063; and Dr. Stephen Russell at 520-621-1231.
You may also write or call The Pennsylvania State University's Office
of Research Protections if you have any questions about your rights.
The Office's phone number is 814-865-1775 and their address is 212 Kern
Graduate Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA,
16802. Youth organiztions learn how you can participate in this study by
clicking on the button below labeled "Youth-Serving Organizational Staff." Researchers
learn how you can participate in this study by clicking on the buttom below
labeled "Researchers."
