UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ
UCSC IRB Protocol: #HS-FY2023-296 
Study Title: Understanding Masking in Online Communities

CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH

Introduction: You are invited to take part in a research study conducted by Professor Kathryn Ringland from the department of Computational Media at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Before you decide whether or not to participate in the study, you should read this form and ask questions if there is anything that you do not understand or wish to get more information on. You may contact Dr. Ringland through email at kringlan@ucsc.edu or Kritika at kritika@ucsc.edu.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore people's experiences with neurodivergent masking practices.

What you will do in the study: This study will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Participation involves completing a survey regarding your experience with neurodivergent masking. You are free to skip any questions you do not want to answer. Choosing not to participate or withdrawing will in no way penalize you.

Risks or discomforts: The research presents no more than minimal risk.

Benefits of this study: Although there will be no direct benefit to you for taking part in this study, your insight may help us learn more about neurodivergent masking practices.

Decision to quit at any time: The decision to take part in this study is completely voluntary. You may terminate participation at any time and your responses will not be recorded. 

Rights and Concerns: If you want additional information or have questions about this research, please contact Dr. Kathryn Ringland, Principal Investigator, kringlan@ucsc.edu. If you have any questions regarding your rights as a research participant, please contact the Office of Research Compliance Administration at the University of California at Santa Cruz at 831-459-1473 or orca@ucsc.edu.

Confidentiality: Research records will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by law. Data will be stored on a private UC Santa Cruz maintained server or Google drive. We will not record or ask you to share any identifiable information. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the survey/research at any point, please contact Kritika (PhD student researcher) through email at kritika@ucsc.edu.