Research:Understanding Wikipedia Coordination Spaces and Costs/Interview Consent Form

Interview consent form

You are invited to participate in a research study where we are studying the costs and benefits of the Wikipedia "Articles for Deletion" process. This study is being conducted by Jodi Schneider and colleagues at the Digital Enterprise Research Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway.

Background information

The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes of deletion discussions, both for articles and for the community. We hope that by understanding the community's experiences with deletion, we can identify opportunities to improve both the community experience and the decision quality.

Procedures

If you agree to be in this study, we would ask you to have a 30-minute conversation (by skype, phone, or IRC). We will also ask for your permission to record the conversation; recording is not essential.

Risks and Benefits of Being in the Study

We will ask about your opinions, attitudes, and experiences regarding deletion and Wikipedia; this could be uncomfortable. We believe that our research, including these interviews, will provide useful information, and potentially improve procedures and tools within Wikipedia.

Compensation

There will be no compensation for participating in this study.

Confidentiality

The records of this study will be kept private, and your anonymity will be preserved. In any sort of report we might publish, we will not include any information that will make it possible to identify a subject. Research records will be stored securely and only researchers will have access to the records.

Voluntary Nature of the Study

Participation in this study is voluntary. Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your current or future relations with the National University of Ireland. If you decide to participate, you are free to not answer any questions or to withdraw at any time without affecting those relationships.

Contacts and Questions

The principle researcher conducting this study is Jodi Schneider. You may ask any questions you have now. If you have questions later, you are encouraged to contact her at DERI, National University of Ireland Galway, IDA Business Park, Galway, Ireland, jschneider@pobox.com. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study and would like to talk to someone other than the researcher(s), you are encouraged to contact Wikipedia's Research Committee.