Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center

Consent to Participate in a Research Study

The purpose of this consent form is to provide you with the information you need to consider in deciding whether to participate in this research study.

Constructivist versus Behaviourist Learning Designs for the Skill of Interpreting X-Rays

Study Purpose You are invited to participate in a research study to determine if using computer tutorials can successfully teach you the skill of cervical spine x-ray interpretation. You qualify as a possible participant in this study because you are a medical student on rotation in Pediatrics.

Study Procedures If you agree to participate, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will complete a computer tutorial with one type of learning design. The other group will complete the same tutorial but with a different learning design. We will otherwise teach you in the same manner as in previous years. Your use of these tutorials would be logged in a confidential fashion. Tutorial usage would have NO bearing on your evaluation.

You will be asked to complete a 15-minute test before and after the computer tutorial. The examination will NOT be considered in your evaluation. After the post-test, you will be permitted to use the opposite tutorial. Your feedback on which you prefer will be solicited.

Study Risks We hope to demonstrate that using tutorials in this way is beneficial. The only potential "adverse effect' of this study is that students may have their learning time decreased by the hour it takes to complete the study protocol. If you feel that your learning suffers for doing the computer tutorials, you may elect not to do the tutorials. We further undertake to personally give supplemental instruction to remedy any possible deficits due to the computer tutorials.

Study Benefits YOU may or may not benefit personally from this study. Benefits to you may include increased learning from the computer tutorials and from the examinations.

Alternatives Participation in the study is entirely voluntary. Regular teaching will not be changed in any way.

Costs & Compensation: There are no costs to you. A honorarium of $20 will be paid on completion of the study procedure.

Confidentiality Any information obtained during this study and identified with you will remain confidential. Individual students will only be identified by tracking number and not by name. Data will be presented only in an aggregated fashion.

Participation is Voluntary Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. You can refuse to participate, or withdraw from the study at any time, and such a decision will not affect your medical education, now or in the future. Signing this form does not waive any of your legal rights.

Questions If you have any questions, please ask, and we will do our best to answer them. If you have additional questions in the future you can reach Dr. Martin Pusic at (604) 601-1653. If you have any questions on your rights as a research subject, you can call the Institutional Review Board at 604-822-8598 for information.

If you have any questions on your rights as a research subject, you can call the Institutional Review Board at 604-822-8598 for information.

of 2 Version Date: Jan31/02 Statement of Consent I have discussed this study with Dr. Martin Pusic or Dr. Steven Miller to my satisfaction. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I can withdraw from the study at any time without prejudice. I have read the above and agree to enter this research study. Signing this form does not waive any of my legal rights.

I have been informed that if I believe that I have sustained injury as a result of participating in a research study, I may contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Pusic at 604-601-1653 or the Institutional Review Board at (604) 822-8598, so that I can review the matter and identify the resources which may be available to me.

Signatures:

Participant Date:

Investigator Eliciting Consent Date: