Consent Form

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Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Phone: 905-525-9140, Ext. 23000 Fax: 905-529-6225 Email:[email protected] http://www.mcmaster.ca/psychology

Informed Consent for Participation in a Study Entitled Comparison

in Note Taking Methods and Academic Performance Researcher: Melissa Mrmak Research Contact Email: [email protected] Principal Investigator (P.I.): Dr. Juddith M. Shedden P.I. Contact Number: 905-525-9140, ext 24345 Purpose: To compare and contrast student’s note taking methods and their academic performance Description: In this study you will be initially presented with a basic I.Q test, followed by a survey. In the survey you will be asked questions about your note-taking methods, including if you use a laptop or hand write your notes, how often you study, if you re-write or re-type your notes and so forth. Furthermore your grades will be compared with respect to your completed I.Q test, survey and the rest of the class. At the end of the term you will take another survey focusing on personal factors, such as hours you studied, if you stayed up to date with readings, how you feel you did overall in the course and so on. You may choose whether or not to be in this study and if you feel uncomfortable and wish to withdraw, even during the middle of a survey, you may. Confidentiality: You will be given an anonymous id number that will match up to your student number in order to protect your confidentiality. The survey and I.Q test you complete will be placed in a confidential folder so that you may not be associated with your private id number. This will be the only identifying information student investigators will see. Dr. Shedden and graduate T.As will match your grade data to your id number. Risks: There are no known risks for your participation in this research. However, you may become fatigued while filling out surveys so we suggest that you take as many breaks as you need throughout the study, and will be allotted plenty of time to complete the surveys and I.Q test. If you wish to withdraw from the study please quietly inform the researcher, no need to explain why, and leave the room. Compensation: There will be no compensation for this study. This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the Psychology Research Ethics Committee (PSREC). If you have any other questions or concerns regarding your rights as a research participant please contact the researcher.

I understand the information provided for the “Comparison in Note Taking Methods and Academic Performance” study as described from above. I have been offered a copy of this form and my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I agree to participate in this study. ___________________________________ Name of Participant ___________________________________ Signature of Participant

________________________ Student Number _____________________ Date

Thank you for participating in my study.

Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour

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1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Phone: 905-525-9140, Ext. 23000 Fax: 905-529-6225 Email:[email protected] http://www.mcmaster.ca/psychology

Debriefing Information Sheet Note-taking and Academic Performance Researcher: Melissa Mrmak Research Contact: [email protected] This study is an investigation of the correlation between note-taking methods and academic performance. Previous studies have shown that students who re-write out their notes after class have better recollection information and thus have higher academic grades. This study hopefully extends research in this field in regard to the method, whether it is by hand writing or typing, and if there is a correlation that affects student’s academic performances. I would like to thank you for participating in my study. If you have provided us with your email address correlations and information we obtain from the study will be sent to you once we have made conclusions. If you have any further questions feel free to contact me through email. Melissa Mrmak ____________________