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Research Study: Improving Critical Thinking Through Gaming
About this research
Your child is being asked to participate in an educational research study. This information sheet provides information about the study to help you decide whether you would like your child to participate and/or your child’s data to be used.
Taking part in this research is voluntary
You may choose for your child not to take part in the study or may choose for your child to discontinue the study at any time. Deciding not to participate, or deciding to leave the study later, will not result in any penalty or loss of benefits to which your child is entitled and will not affect their relationship with their teacher. Your child can opt out of research participation at any time within the game.
Why is this study being done?
The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a game that teaches critical thinking. The game covers scientific topics such as health, astronomy, vaccination, COVID-19, and climate change. You can preview the game at https://app.crankyuncle.info. The study is being conducted by John Cook (currently at Monash University, previously at George Mason University) in collaboration with your child’s teacher.
What will happen during the study?
If you agree for your child to be in the study, they will 1) fill out a 10-question survey at the start of the game (which will take around 10 minutes to complete), then upon completion of the game, 2) fill out a 10-question survey (again,around 10 minutes to complete).
What are the risks/benefits of taking part in the study?
There are no foreseeable discomforts or direct benefits from participating in this study. Participation in the game is part of the classroom activity and the only extra participation due to the research are the short surveys at the start and end of the game.
How will my child’s information be protected?
No personal details are collected to ensure absolute confidentiality.
Who should I call with questions or problems?
For questions about the study, contact the researcher John Cook by email at jcook20@gmu.edu. You may contact the George Mason University Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office at irb@gmu.edu, or by phone (703-993-4121) if you have questions or comments regarding your or your child’s rights as a participant in the research. This research has been reviewed according to George Mason University procedures governing your or your child’s participation in this research (IRBNet number: 1513977-1).
Can I withdraw my child from the study?
Your child can leave the study at any time, and their data will not be collected and used in the research. Withdrawal is easily and anonymously performed by the student. To withdraw at the start of the game, your child can select “NO” when asked if they wish to take part in research. To withdraw during or after gameplay, your child can follow the Consent link on the About screen within the game – then uncheck “Allow collection of anonymous game data.” This will automatically withdraw your child from the research study.