Informed Consent
In order to decide whether or not you should agree to be part of this study, you should understand enough of its risks and benefits to make an informed judgment. This process is known as informed consent. This consent form gives you information about the research study. Once you understand the study, if you still wish to participate, you can electronically sign this informed consent form by clicking the I agree to participate link at the bottom of this page.
The Consciousness Storytelling Project
The research project will collect a library of people's experiences of conscious connections involving nature and the natural world. As we collect stories we will create a number of categories based on the kinds of connections and themes outlined.
Our hypothesis is that connection to nature is directly experienced by most people; not just through the five senses but through a range of means. These connections can provide specific information about the natural world.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the project is to enable the reclaiming of latent human capacities.
Duration
This research will be in three stages:
Stage 1: Pilot Project – 1 March – 12 April 2009
Developing a library of experiences of conscious connections involving nature and the natural world - by invitation through our own networks.
Developing a number of categories based on the kinds of connections and themes outlined.
Review the project and our methodology.
Stage 2: Research Project - 1 May – 31 October 2009
We plan to widen the project to include more people.
Stage 3: Evaluation and Findings – 1 November – 31 December
We will evaluate the project and make the findings widely available.
Procedures
You will be asked to record a short video clip (2-4 min) on your camera or a written story and emailing it (or a link to the file) to the researchers.
Potential Risks/Discomforts
Personal stories will be captured within this research project using video, audio, screen captures, written form and may be collected both by the researchers and the computing systems used by this and other public and opensource websites (such as Youtube and Kaltura). Due to the online nature of these tools the anonymity of participants cannot be ensured.
You are encouraged to identify, as appropriate, any sensitive personal information, stories or data that you do not wish to be shared or identified in the research dissemination or on the research project website.
Potential Benefits
This project is aimed to benefit humanity and our habitat the earth.
Sharing knowledge gained through direct connection with nature will become more generally accepted as a recognised and normal human capacity similar to taste, smell, sight, touch and sound.
Confidentiality
Video, audio, screen captures, photographs and writen stories are likely to be collected both by the researchers and the computing systems used by this website. Due to the online nature of these tools anonymity cannot be ensured.
Links to Youtube and Kaltura videos submitted may fall under their GNU license and may be shared with others outside of this project.
Individuals to contact for Questions
If you have questions, you can contact:
Dr. Dale Hunter, +649 638 7326,
Stephen Thorpe, +649 638 7326,
Consent
I understand that I will be video taped, audio taped and that data (such as screen shots, images, audio, text and video) is likely to be captured through computing systems used.
I agree that I will not disclose research information to any person, firm, or corporation about the research conducted without prior permission from the researchers named above. This includes specifications, photos, images, video, drawings, writen stories, models or operations of any machine or devices encountered.
Right to refuse or to withdraw
I understand that my participation is voluntary and I may refuse to participate, or may discontinue it at any time.
I understand that I may withdraw myself or any information that I have provided for this project at any time prior to completion of data collection, without being disadvantaged in any way. If I withdraw, I understand that all relevant audio, video and transcripts, or parts thereof, will be removed from our website.
I grant permission for information collected to be used for purposes as outlined on this website.
I have read and understood the information provided about the research project as outlined on this website.
I have read this entire form and I understand it completely. All of my questions regarding this form or this study have been answered to complete satisfaction.
I understand that by clicking the link below I am signing this form and therefore am providing informed consent to participate fully in this study.
