The researching has begun!  Lots of results are coming in, and things are looking good!  Here is the consent form:

APPENDIX C. SAMPLE CONSENT FORM

 

 

Researcher:Brendan McNamara, Department of Communication, Trinity University

Supervisor: Dr. Aaron Delwiche, Department of Communication, Trinity University (210-999-8153)

 

Researcher’s statement

 

PURPOSE AND BENEFITS

 

This interview is being conducted as part of a course titled "Ethnography of Massively Multiplayer Online Games." In this class, we are studying the behaviors and attitudes of gamers who enjoy virtual worlds such as Vanguard and World of Warcraft. Our research will benefit game developers, scholars, and broader player community by increasing our understanding of this emerging medium. The results of my study might also be interesting to you. At the end of the semester (December 15, 2008), I will share my findings with Vanguard players and with the broader community of gamers. My paper will be linked to the course web site and made available to anyone with an Internet connection.

 

PROCEDURES

 

In this section, students will elaborate their research methods. There are two likely scenarios. The first scenario is some sort of computer-based interview. This might be a real-time conversation via instant messaging and in-world chat channels, or it might take the form of an asynchronous e-mail interview. The second scenario is an on-line questionnaire using a system such as Survey Monkey.

 

RISK, STRESS OR DISCOMFORT

 

No risk, stress or discomfort is anticipated as a result of this study. I will do everything that I can to make sure that your responses are both private and anonymous. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or stressed, you may terminate the interview immediately.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

You must be 18 years or older in order to participate in this study. This interview is voluntary. You may refuse to answer any questions that I ask. You may terminate the session at any time.

 

This data will be used as a basis for my academic research. My professor and I are the only people who will have access to the transcripts and survey data.

 

If your comments appear in my research, a pseudonym will be used to protect the anonymity of your real-life identity and your game character. You may refuse to participate or may withdraw from this study at any time without penalty.

 

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Trinity University. If you have any questions about this research, you can also contact the IRB chair: Professor J. Paul Giolma, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Engineering Science, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place, San Antonio, Texas, 78212-7200. Professor Giolma's telephone number is (210) 999-7563.

 

Brendan McNamara_____________________________________12/2/08______________    

Signature of Researcher                                                           Date                            

 

 

Participant's statement:

 

The study described above has been explained to me. I voluntarily consent to participate in this activity. I have had an opportunity to ask questions. I understand that future questions I may have about the research or about my rights as a subject will be answered by one of the researchers listed above.

 

____________________________________________________________________________   

Signature of Participant                                                            Date                            

 

[As noted above, because collecting signatures is not practical in virtual worlds, students will instead post this form on a publicly available web page. Before conducting any interviews, they will ask the participants to confirm that they have read the consent materials and agree to participate. On-line surveys will be prefaced with a statement which reads "By completing this survey, you are indicating that you have read the consent materials and agree to participate."]

Cool stuff right?  Here is a list of places where I have posted recruitment notices:
http://council.earthsprite.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=293
http://rolandin.livejournal.com/651.html