What is the purpose of the study?
This project aims to understand the functioning
of a divided city, being Belfast a proper case study. By looking at the
interfaces (areas situated between different communities), this project pursues
to understand the pivotal role that these spaces play in suturing the city by
exploring how people define, use and traverse these spaces.
Why have I been chosen to take part?
The research will be based upon the
perspectives of those involved in the use and the planning of the Peacewalls of
Belfast. As a neighbour – who knows how these spaces function – or as someone
who is involved in the preservation or transformation of these spaces, we
assume that you have valuable views and expertise that will allow us to gain a better
understanding of the interfaces (peace walls) and the city.
What will I be asked to do?
You will be asked a series of predefined
questions regarding your experience and involvement with the areas you transit,
your views and perceptions on the areas surrounding the walls, and your views
on other communities that share the same space. You will also be asked about
your own experiences, perceptions, views, and understandings.
Will my participation be kept confidential?
Yes, your participation will be confidential.
So, your personal details will be anonymised and/or positions will not be
passed to any third party, and the information we will obtain from you will be
properly stored at Queen’s University Belfast. Only the researchers (Dr
Cristian Silva and Dr Teresa García) will have access to the data. Also – and as
respondent – you will not be able to view the responses of other participants,
as each questionnaire will be conducted individually. Any personal information will
not be shown in any publication or academic (and non-academic) activities.
After finishing the study, the data will be destroyed by following the
university’s protocols for doing so.
Do I have to give consent to take part?
Yes. If you decide to participate you will need
to sign the Consent Form attached. In the Consent Form, you will see – in point
2 – that you understand that your participation is voluntary and that you have
the right to withdraw the data up to 14 days after responding the questionnaire.
Beyond this point, the data will be used for the research as indicated above.
What are the possible disadvantages to my
taking part?
We do not anticipate any disadvantages.
Participation is entirely voluntary. You can decide to withdraw from the study
without giving any reason and without any consequences.
What are the possible benefits?
By taking part in the survey, you will be contributing
to a research which seeks to investigate the city of Belfast and, to envision a
more inclusive city.
What will happen to the results of the study?
The research will form the basis of larger
studies on the role of the peace lines (or interfaces) within your
neighbourhood and the whole city itself. The findings will be published in
scientific journals of Urban planning and Urban Studies aimed to improve the
planning of interfaces.
Who is organising and funding the study?
This study is undertaken as part of a Postdoctoral
research led by Dr Teresa García Alcaraz – originally from Universitat
Politècnica de Catalunya (Spain) – and sponsored by Dr Cristian Silva from
the Planning programme of the School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen’s
University Belfast.
Who has reviewed the study?
The study has been reviewed and granted ethical
approval by the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Ethics
Committee, Queen’s University Belfast.
What if there is a problem?
All data presented in reports or publications
will be anonymised. Should you have any questions about how your data will be
used or stored please contact us at the email addresses provided at the end of
this sheet. Should you remain unhappy and wish to make a formal complaint, you
can contact the Research Governance Team at Queen’s University Belfast. Their
contact details are as follows:
Telephone: 028 9097 2529;
Email: researchgovernance@qub.ac.uk
