PFAS Kitchen: A Tool for Consumer Education
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
Principal Investigator: Madison Jones, Ph.D.
Email: madisonjones@uri.edu
Co-Investigator: Jaclyn Witterschein
Email: jwitterschein@uri.edu
KEY INFORMATION
Important information to know about this research study:
- The purpose of the study is to determine how the augmented reality experience, PFAS Kitchen, can increase knowledge and influence decision-making for common household products containing PFAS.
- If you choose to participate, you will be asked to navigate an AR experience using your mobile device, and complete pre- and post-experience surveys. This data may be used to analyze your experience and performance within the AR experience.
- The experience will take approximately 30 minutes.
- Participating in this study involves minimal risk.
- You will be provided a copy of this consent form.
- Taking part in this research project is voluntary. You do not have to participate and can stop participation any time.
INVITATION
You are invited to take part in this research study. The information in this form is meant to help you decide whether or not to participate. If you have any questions, please ask.
Why are you being asked to be in this research study?
You are being asked to be in this study because you are between the ages of 18 and 80, have access to a personal mobile device, and are physically and cognitively able to navigate online surveys and an augmented reality platform.
What is the reason for doing this research study?
The purpose of this part of the study is to explore the effectiveness of Augmented Reality (AR) technologies in science communication and consumer behavior, specifically about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
What will be done during this research study?
The participant is asked to complete a pre-experience survey, which gauges an individual's understanding of PFAS and PFAS in common household items. Next, in a familiar and open space, at home or otherwise, the participant opens and navigates the PFAS Kitchen AR environment using a personal mobile device (smart phone, tablet, etc.). The participant then returns to the survey page to complete a post-survey, which will collect data about PFAS understanding, consumer behaviors, and satisfaction with the AR experience.
How will my data be used?
Your data will be used by University of Rhode Island researchers to advance educational technology research, potentially leading to more effective teaching methods. Additionally, data collection will provide information about PFAS understanding in the consumer space and allow researchers to more effectively communicate with audiences. Your information collected as part of the research, even if identifiers are removed, will not be used or distributed for future research studies.
What are the possible risks of being in this research study?
Participating in this study involves minimal risk. However, potential risks include: 1) motion sickness: some participants may experience dizziness or nausea when using AR/VR equipment; 2) physical safety: there is a possibility of tripping or colliding with objects while viewing AR content with a mobile device.
Due to the unpredictable nature of each individual’s response to AR (dizziness, nausea, seizures, anxiety, fear of heights, bumping into objects, etc.), all participants are required to acknowledge potential risks and agree to this consent, releasing the University of Rhode Island from any liability regarding your use of the PFAS Kitchen AR experience.
To minimize risk, deploy PFAS Kitchen in a familiar, open area of approximately 10’ by 10’, away from objects that might pose collision hazards. While the experience is best accessed from a standing position, it can also be deployed while seated for additional personal safety. If at any time you feel discomfort, immediately stop the AR session to take a break and/or discontinue the experience.
What are the possible benefits?
Apart from additional knowledge about PFAS in common household products displayed within the PFAS Kitchen experience, there are no direct benefits to the participant. Participation will help advance educational technology research, potentially leading to more effective teaching methods. Additionally, knowledge about PFAS understanding in the consumer space will allow researchers to more effectively communicate with audiences.
What will being in this research study cost you?
There is no cost to you to be in this research study.
Will you be compensated for being in this research study?
There is no compensation for your participation in this study.
What should you do if you have a problem during this research study?
Your welfare is the major concern of every member of the research team. If you have a problem as a direct result of being in this study, you should immediately contact one of the people listed at the beginning of this consent form.
How will information about you be protected?
No identifiable information will be collected from participants of this research study.
Reasonable steps will be taken to protect your privacy and the confidentiality of your study data.
The only persons who will have access to your research records are the study personnel, the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and any other person, agency, or sponsor as required by law. The information from this study may be published in scientific journals or presented at scientific meetings but the data will be reported as group or summarized data and your identity will be kept strictly confidential.
What are your rights as a research subject?
You may ask any questions concerning this research and have those questions answered before agreeing to participate in or during the study.
For study related questions, please contact the investigator(s) listed at the beginning of this form.
For questions concerning your rights or complaints about the research contact the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Vice President for Research and Economic Development:
What will happen if you decide not to be in this research study or decide to stop participating once you start?
You can decide not to be in this research study, or you can stop being in this research study (“withdraw’) at any time before, during, or after the research begins for any reason. Deciding not to be in this research study or deciding to withdraw will not affect your relationship with the investigator or with the University of Rhode Island (list others as applicable).
You will not lose any benefits to which you are entitled.
ONLINE SURVEY CONSENT
I have read and understand the above consent form. By clicking SUBMIT to enter the survey, I indicate my willingness to voluntarily take part in the study, and I certify:
- I am between the ages of 18 years and 80 years.
- I am voluntarily participating in the use of augmented reality.
- I am aware of and assume all of the physical, psychological, and financial risks associated with participating in the use of the PFAS Kitchen augmented reality experience.
- I agree to immediately stop use of PFAS Kitchen if I experience any discomfort, including but not limited to: dizziness, nausea, seizures, anxiety, fear of heights, and bumping into objects.
