* Study Name: The peer review process in the natural sciences.
Researchers: Robyn Borsuk, graduate student.
Dr. Chris Lortie, supervisor.
Sponsors: York University.
Purpose of the Research: To explore whether knowledge of topic influences assessment.
What You Will Be Asked to Do in the Research: As a potential participant, you will read an article and subsequently complete a short questionnaire assessing quality of the paper.
Risks and Discomforts: There are no risks or discomfort.
Benefits of the Research and Benefits to You: This preliminary research will help us to gain insight into the current peer review process.
Voluntary Participation: Please be assured that you are under no obligation to agree to participate in this study, you may choose to answer as many of the questions as you see fit and you may choose to stop participating at any time. There is no penalization for choosing not to participate. Your decision not to volunteer will not influence the nature of your relationship with York University either now, or in the future, nor will it affect your grade in this class.
Withdrawal from the Study: You can stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, if you so decide. If you decide to stop participating, there will be no penalization and all data attained by your participation will be disposed of. Your decision to withdraw, or to refuse to answer particular questions, will not affect your relationship with the researchers or York University.
Confidentiality: All information you supply during the research will be held in confidence and unless you specifically indicate your consent, your name will not appear in any report or publication of the research. Your data will be safely stored in a locked facility and only research staff will have access to this information. Confidentiality will be provided to the fullest extent possible by law.
Questions About the Research? If you have questions about the research in general or about your role in the study, please feel free to contact Dr. Lortie either by telephone at (416) 736-2100, extension 20588 or by e-mail (lortie@yorku.ca). This research has been reviewed by the Human Participants in Research Committee, York University’s Ethics Review Board and conforms to the standards of the Canadian Tri-Council Research Ethics guidelines. If you have any questions about this process, or about your rights as a participant in the study, please contact Ms. Alison Collins-Mrakas, Manager, Research Ethics, 277 York Lanes, York University (telephone 416-736-5914 or e-mail acollins@yorku.ca).
Legal Rights and Signatures:
By clicking on "I agree" below you consent to participate in the investigation of the peer review process conducted by Robyn Borsuk and Dr. Christopher Lortie. You confirm you have understood the nature of this project and wish to participate. You are not waiving any of your legal rights by giving your consent.