Student Perceptions of STEM Camp Experience that Impacts Career Pathways: An Interpretive Mixed Methods Study
Invitation to Be in a Research Study
You are invited to volunteer for a research study. You are invited to take part because you are a participant in the Texas Governor’s School: Innovation Collaboration STEM Camp.
Purpose of Research
We are doing this research study to learn about your experience as a participant of the STEM camp experience. The study will ask questions such about the following:
(1) expose students to STEM careers and college majors that support those careers;
(2) increase experiential learning opportunities in collaboration with industry partners that lead
to STEM careers;
(3) utilize college readiness tools that allow students to explore a STEM pathway as a future
major or career option; and,
(4) participate in experiential learning activities and simulations to prepare for the workforce.
Your Rights
It is important for you to know that being in this study is completely up to you. You may decide to quit this research study at any time and do not have to worry that anyone will be upset with you for quitting. If there are any changes in the study that might affect you, you will be told about them.
Procedures
Your part in the project will last approximately 10 minutes. Your answers will be recorded on a computer in the online Qualtrics software program provided by Lamar University. Answers will be saved in the software program and only shared with the primary investigators of this study.
Alternatives
At any time, you may decide that you do not want to continue to be in this study.
Risks
There is a chance that some questions may make you feel uncomfortable. You may refuse to answer questions at any time during the online survey.
Benefits
No benefits will directly impact you, as a participant of this study. However, the study will allow the investigators and leaders of the camp to make changes regarding program effectiveness.
Costs
Being in this study will not cost you anything, other than the time spent during the online survey.
Confidentiality
The researcher will make every effort to ensure that the information you provide as part of this study remains confidential. Your information will be collected through an online survey using the Qualtrics software system, purchased by Lamar University. All information will be confidential to the extent possible by law and saved on a password protected computer. In all records of the study, you will be known by a code number and your name will be known only to the researchers. Your name and personal information will never be shared with anyone outside of this research project. Also, we will not link personal information about you to your actual identity whenever we share information from this study so that no one will know who you are when we write about the study or tell other people about it. This information/data will be securely stored.
Questions
You will receive a copy of this form. If you have questions, contact Dr. Tilisa Thibodeaux at (409)
880-2994 or tilisa.thibodeaux@lamar.edu. Lamar University’s Institutional Review Board has
approved this project. The research team and the University’s Institutional Review Board (a panel of
doctors, scientists and community advocates who have the job of making sure the rights and welfare
of study participants are protected) are careful to protect your privacy and limit the disclosure of
identifying information about you. You may reach the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
at (409) 880-7672 with any questions or concerns.