This form must not be distributed to participants until formal IRB approval has been received.

This cover letter is a model to be adapted for questionnaire, interview data collection, or online survey instruments where a signed Consent Form is either not needed or would, by its use, compromise the anonymity of participants. The cover letter should be constructed in such a way that it can be easily kept by participants.  Your cover letter must address ALL of the following items, ensuring that each component is written in easily understood language appropriate for the audience. If your study participants will be completing an online survey, please click here for the required procedures for designing anonymous surveys.

CAUTION!! There should be no known discomforts, stresses, or risks (physical, psychological, social, or legal) that are anticipated as a result of a subject's participation.  If any are expected, this cover letter will not suffice and a complete Consent Form should be developed.

COVER LETTER

1. Provide research project title, investigator's name, business address, and telephone number; student investigators may use their own information or that of their faculty advisor. 

2. Add an introductory paragraph containing a brief description of the research to be conducted, including a short justification and description of any benefits to participants that may be derived from the work.

3. Describe in simple terms exactly what is being asked of participants, and include a statement of expected duration of participation.

(The following statement of understanding, page removal note, and IRB contact information must be included on all cover letters. Please include a dividing line as shown below.)

           ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The purpose of this research has been explained and my participation is voluntary.  I have the right to stop participation ay any time without penalty.  I understand that the research has no known risks, and I will not be identified.  By completing this survey, I am agreeing to participate in this research project.

THIS PAGE MAY BE REMOVED AND KEPT BY EACH PARTICIPANT 

Research at Kennesaw State University that involves human participants is carried out under the oversight of an Institutional Review Board.  Questions or problems regarding these activities should be addressed to Dr. Ginny Q. Zhan, Chairperson of the Institutional Review Board, Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road, #2202, Kennesaw, GA 30144-5591, (770) 423-6679.