Consent to Participate in Research Identification of Investigators & Purpose of Study
 

You are being asked to participate in a research study conducted by Pamela Gibson, Mary Ann Cook, and Chelsea Norman from James Madison University. The purpose of this study is to better understand the experiences of those with chemical sensitivity who are either currently employed or have been employed in the past while having Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). We are interested in accommodations and treatment from supervisors and co-workers. We also will ask about the severity of your condition and whether or not you have ever sought legal action regarding the workplace. 

Research Procedures

This study consists of a survey that will be administered to individual participants online. Should you decide to participate in this research study, you will be asked to click on the “next” button to begin viewing the survey questions. If you are unable to complete the survey online but would like to participate we are able to supply you with a mail-in hard copy.

Time Required

We estimate that, depending upon your experiences to report, participation in this study will require between 30 and 60 minutes of your time. 

Risks The investigator does not perceive more than minimal risks from your involvement in this study. The investigator perceives the following are possible risks arising from your involvement with this study: possible emotional distress from recalling previous negative experiences in the workplace involving MCS.

Benefits

Potential benefits from participation in this study include contributing to the growing body of data that may help other persons living with MCS to achieve a positive work situation.

Confidentiality

The results of this research will be presented at a conference and submitted for publication. The results of this project will be coded in such a way that the respondents’ identities will not be attached to the final form of this study. The researcher retains the right to use and publish non-identifiable data.  While individual responses are confidential, aggregate data will be presented representing averages or generalizations about the responses as a whole. All data will be stored in a secure location accessible only to the researcher. Upon completion of the study, all information will be stored in a file on Dr. Gibson’s password protected computer. 

Participation & Withdrawal

Your participation is entirely voluntary. You are free to choose not to participate. Should you choose to participate, you can withdraw at any time without consequences of any kind.  However, once your responses have been submitted and anonymously recorded you will not be able to withdraw from the study.

Questions about the Study

If you have questions or concerns during the time of your participation in this study, or after its completion or you would like to receive a copy of the final aggregate results of this study, please contact:

Dr. Pam Gibson                                               

Department of Psychology                                               

James Madison University                                   

gibsonpr@jmu.edu 
Telephone:  (540) 568-6195     

                                         

Questions about Your Rights as a Research Subject

Dr. David Cockley

Chair, Institutional Review Board

James Madison University

(540) 568-2834

cocklede@jmu.edu

Giving of Consent

I have read this consent form and I understand what is being requested of me as a participant in this study.  I freely consent to participate.  I have been given satisfactory answers to my questions. I certify that I am at least 18 years of age. Clicking on the button to advance to the next page registers my consent to participate.