This guide is intended to supplement the Information Sheet exemplar which may be accessed through the related articles download in the grey column to the left. AUTEC requires all projects to have a comprehensive Information Sheet which is user friendly and presented in language suitable for all potential participants. More than one Information Sheet may be required, depending on the nature of the research. The experience of many researchers is that a very useful way to present the information is by way of questions and answers. Accordingly, this is the format is used in the AUTEC exemplar.
The following headings may prove useful to applicants, although other headings may of course be incorporated as appropriate.
PROJECT TITLE and DATE of the Information Sheet
This should be a simple description of the research that is neutral in terms of the research question. Researchers should note that their title should be worded so as not to discourage potential participants.
AN INVITATION
An invitation to take part in the research, emphasising the voluntary nature of participation
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS RESEARCH?
A clear explanation of the aim of the study and the procedures to be followed in lay terms. Include reference to being part of a student's research project for a particular degree if this is the case and indicate if any publications or presentations are likely to result from the research.
HOW WAS I IDENTIFIED AND WHY AM I BEING INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS RESEARCH?
Provide details of the selection process. Identify any exclusion criteria and include a matching statement on the Consent Form.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THIS RESEARCH?
Provide details about all aspects of involvement for participants.
WHAT ARE THE DISCOMFORTS AND RISKS and HOW WILL THESE DISCOMFORTS AND RISKS BE ALLEVIATED?
Identify any possible discomforts and risks (whether physical, psychological or other) which may eventuate as a result of participation, as well as ways of mitigating these. If there are serious risks, a matching statement must be provided in the Consent Form. Thought should also be given here to issues of compensation if relevant and to provision of support if necessary (e.g. counselling).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Provide a realistic explanation of what benefits may be realised through this research. Distinguish between benefits to participants and to researcher.
HOW WILL MY PRIVACY BE PROTECTED?
Address any issues of anonymity and/or confidentiality and provide an assurance with regard to participant privacy. If participants are able to be identified through any aspect of the research output, this must be specifically stated here and a matching statement provided in the Consent Form. Note that anonymity is not the same as confidentiality.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS RESEARCH?
Identify any potential costs (time, money etc) which might be incurred through participation, including how much time will be required. Include all relevant financial considerations including payment of expenses or fees to participants.
WHAT OPPORTUNITY DO I HAVE TO CONSIDER THIS INVITATION?
Provide details of the following:
HOW DO I JOIN THE STUDY?
Provide details of participant acceptance process.
WILL I RECEIVE FEEDBACK ON THE RESULTS OF THIS RESEARCH
AUTEC usually requires that participants are given (or given access to) a summary report of the research findings.
WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THIS RESEARCH?
The wording provided in the exemplar about the right to withdraw from the research.
Any concerns regarding the nature of this project should be notified in the first instance to the Project Supervisor, enter name, email address, and a work phone number.
Concerns regarding the conduct of the research should be notified to the Executive Secretary of AUTEC, ethics@aut.ac.nz , 921 9999 ext 6038.
AUTEC approval details
Approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee on dd mmmm yyyy. (Note that this is the date in the AUTEC letter of FINAL approval, not approval with conditions. The Information Sheet must not be distributed until this has been received).
AUTEC Reference number xx/xxx
For your convenience, an Information Sheet exemplar is provided for use as a template for the Information Sheet.
View the contact details for faculty representatives, research ethics advisor and AUTEC.