June 1999

Dear Parents:

I am currently conducting a research project designed to study young adults looking for information on the Internet. I request permission for your child to participate. The study consists of a preliminary survey, completed to show that your child has the necessary Internet navigational skills to participate in this study; one 30-minute session, where the participant will be given scenarios with information problems to solve using the World Wide Web; and a follow-up interview. The goal of this study is to identify and describe various user strategies and categorize effective strategies related to different information needs. Please see the reverse side for a brief description of the study including some samples of the types of scenarios the participants will perform.

This study is funded through the Faculty/Ph.D. Student Research Grant from the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Information Sciences at the University of North Texas. Research will be conducted in the St. Mark's Green Library or Ursuline Academy's Beatrice M. Haggerty Library during June 14-July 3. Permission has been obtained from Mr. Arnold Holtberg at St. Mark's School of Texas and Ms. Ann Bristol at Ursuline Academy. All documentation regarding this study is on file in the Headmaster's office at St. Mark's and the Summer School Principal's office at Ursuline.

Participants will be asked to perform two information seeking tasks in the 30-minute session. During the session participants will verbally talk about the activities they are performing while completing the task. I will conduct the sessions and interviews using an audiotape device and my research assistant will videotape only the task session. Results from the sessions and interviews will be reported as group results only. Individual taped responses will be used as examples of information seeking behaviors; however, the participant will not be identified by name. I will retain videotapes at the study's conclusion. To preserve confidentiality, only first names will be used to identify participants.

In appreciation for your child's participation, we will provide a snack during the task session.
At the conclusion of the study, a summary of group results will be available. Should you have any questions or desire further information, please call me at (214) 346-8146 or (214) 352-8795.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.

Sincerely,

THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS COMMITTEE FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS

Please indicate whether or not your wish to have your child participate in this project, by checking a statement below and returning this form to me as quickly as possible. Participation is voluntary. Your child may withdraw at anytime.

 I do grant permission for my child to participate in this project

 I do not grant permission for my child to participate.

 Please send me the results of the study.

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Child's name (Please Print)

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Parent/Guardian's signature