Your child is invited to participate in St. Lawrence University research on children’s ownership beliefs of natural foods as compared to natural non-food items.  It is a simple task wherein children are asked if a person can own different foods and non-food items.  Children who participate are given a small gift, usually a sticker.  This research will happen at your child’s school during regular school hours and will take approximately 15 minutes.  

Your child’s participation is voluntary. Please consider the information carefully on the second page. Please feel free to email Helana Girgis, Principal Investigator and Director of this study, at girgish@hartwick.edu.  If you permit your child to participate, please fill this form out and return to your child’s teacher or school director.  You will receive a copy of the form.  We must also have your child’s assent to participate in this study, which will be obtained at the time of the study.  Thank you so much!

  I have read the above statement and have been able to ask questions and express concerns, which have been satisfactorily responded to by the investigator. I understand the purpose of the study as well as the potential benefits and risks that are involved. I understand that significant new findings developed during this research will be shared with me and, as appropriate, my child. I understand that no rights have been waived by signing the consent form and that I may keep this form my files.  

What is the purpose of this study? The purpose of this research is to examine children’s beliefs about freely exchanging a person’s property with an identical replacement.  Children will hear a story about two people, one of whom ruins the other’s property.  The question is whether the property can be replaced with the identical object from the person who ruined it.  

What are the possible risks and discomforts? To the best of our knowledge, your child’s participation is no more harmful or risky than everyday experiences.  The game is in a question and answer format.  The minimal risks could be boredom with the game or concern about answering correctly.    

Will my child benefit from taking part in this study? Children usually enjoy playing a stimulating and fun game one-on-one with our researchers.  Your child will receive a small gift, for example a sticker, for their participation.  Children will receive the gift even if they decide not to finish the study.  

What are the options if I or my child does not want to take part in the study? If you do not want your child to be in this study, you may refuse to allow him/her to participate. Your child may refuse to participate even if you give permission.  If your child decides to participate and then changes his/her mind, your child may quit participating at any time. Your child will not be penalized or lose any benefits/rights if you refuse to allow participation or if your child chooses not to participate.  

Who will see the information my child gives and how is my child’s confidentiality protected? The data will be transported by Dr. Helana Girgis to the US.  It will be in a sealed envelope and kept on Dr. Girgis’ person until arrival to the US.  Children’s information is kept on a password secured computer in a locked laboratory on the campus of the Hartwick College only accessible by Dr. Girgis.  Data will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by the law.  Information from each child is combined with others in the study.  When this research is shared with the scientific community, through presentations at conferences and research articles, children are not identified individually.  

Will my child and/or I know the results of the study? At the conclusion of the study you will have the right to request feedback about the results. Please email Dr. Helana Girgis at any time to request feedback about the results.  

What if I have questions or my child has questions? Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you have before giving permission for your child to participate.  

Helana Girgis, PhD Institutional Review Board (Ethics Committee) Chair
 Visiting Assistant Professor L. Gerald  Hunsberger, PhD                                                                                                         208 Clark Hall   205 Bresee Hall,  Hartwick College                                                                     Ph. 011- 607- 431- 4962  Ph. 011- 607-431-4738                                                                                                          girgish@hartwick.edu                        hunsbergerg@hartwick.edu