← VCE Data Analytics U3O2

Participant information statement

A document telling participants the study's purpose, what they will do, how data is used and stored, and that taking part is voluntary with a right to withdraw. It lists contact details.

Part of: VCE Data Analytics - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 83

Understanding Participant information statement in VCE Data Analytics U3O2

What it does: The line describes the task and the time commitment, which is the purpose and procedure part of the statement. Giving a name, email and phone number means participants know who to ask about the study or about withdrawing. Participation must be voluntary. The statement should make clear that people can choose whether to take part. A clear purpose says why the study is being done. The procedure says what the participant will do and how long it takes. Contact details let participants ask questions, raise concerns or ask to withdraw. They are not for passing data on. The statement informs. It supports a free choice and is not a tool for persuading people to join.

Common mistakes: A participant information statement must say that taking part is voluntary, not compulsory. Line 3 should read 'Taking part is voluntary.'. The statement must give contact details so participants can ask questions or raise concerns. Line 3 should list the researcher's email, not say it is unavailable.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

🖨 Print worksheet + answer key Add Participant information statement to a class →

This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 76–146) and word search (Modules 3–146).

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
Which item belongs in a participant information statement?
The purpose of the study and what participants will be asked to doThe names and answers of other participants
Matches
You must complete the survey. There is no way to opt out.
↓
This removes the voluntary choice and the right to withdraw. A statement must say participation is voluntary and that participants can withdraw.
Applying
Meanings
Term
participant information statement
Meaning
A document telling participants the study's purpose, what they will do, how data is used and stored, and that taking part is voluntary with a right to withdraw. It lists contact details.
Practice
Participant Information Statement
Testing
Gaps
: To find out how teens use phones
Check Answer
Spots
2Purpose: link sleep to marks
3Taking part is compulsory.

Cloodit turns curriculum-aligned coding content into journeys students work through one biome at a time.

The 'Penguin' badge — List Waddler, one of Cloodit's 106 collectible badges
Students earn collectable badges

Over 100 of them, across seven natural biomes.

Study Buddy
Students build a real study resource

Turns their work into revision material ready for Flash Cards and Exam study.

Diamond Dash — one of Cloodit's live, competitive Sprint games
Students lock in with Sprints

Live, competitive practice for the start of the lesson or a teacher-led lesson finisher.

A Cloodit certificate of achievement, ready to personalise and print
Custom printable certificates

Honour your top performers, or encourage a student who's trying hard — ready to print in seconds.

Add to class →

Quick Questions

1. Which item belongs in a participant information statement?
A. The names and answers of other participants
B. The purpose of the study and what participants will be asked to do ✓
A participant information statement explains the purpose and procedure so people know what they are agreeing to. It never reveals other participants' details.
2. A student writes: 'You must complete this survey.' Is this suitable for a participant information statement?
A. Yes, it makes sure enough data is collected
B. No, it should say taking part is voluntary ✓
Participation must be voluntary. The statement should make clear that people can choose whether to take part.
3. Which sentence best explains the right to withdraw?
A. You can stop at any time without giving a reason or any penalty ✓
B. You can stop only after you have finished every question
A right to withdraw means participants can leave the study at any time without penalty. They do not need to finish.
4. Which sentence best describes the purpose and procedure?
A. This survey studies sleep habits. It has 10 questions and takes 5 minutes ✓
B. This is a survey. Please be honest and help us out
A clear purpose says why the study is being done. The procedure says what the participant will do and how long it takes.
5. Why should the statement include contact details of the researcher?
A. So participants can ask questions or withdraw ✓
B. So the researcher can sell the participants' data
Contact details let participants ask questions, raise concerns or ask to withdraw. They are not for passing data on.

Match the Pairs

Purpose: To find out how Year 11 students use phones at school. → The purpose statement tells participants why the study is being done and what the researcher wants to find out.
Taking part is voluntary. You may withdraw at any time. → The voluntary and right to withdraw statement tells participants they can say no or stop later without penalty.
The procedure section tells participants what they will be asked to do and how long it will take. → Procedure: You will complete a 10-minute online survey.
Contact details let participants ask questions or raise concerns with the researcher. → Contact: Ms Chen, jchen@school.vic.edu.au, 9555 0123
You must complete the survey. There is no way to opt out. → This removes the voluntary choice and the right to withdraw. A statement must say participation is voluntary and that participants can withdraw.
We will collect survey answers. Please sign below. → This leaves out the purpose, the procedure, how data is used and stored, and the contact details, so participants cannot make an informed choice.

Key Term

participant information statement
A document telling participants the study's purpose, what they will do, how data is used and stored, and that taking part is voluntary with a right to withdraw. It lists contact details.

Fill in the Blanks

1. PURPOSE: To find out how teens use phones PROCEDURE: You will do a 10 min survey
Hint: Type the heading that explains why the research is being done.
2. PURPOSE: To find out how teens use phones PROCEDURE: You will do a 10 min survey
Hint: Type the heading that tells participants what they will be asked to do.
3. Taking part is voluntary. You can say no. Data is stored securely for 5 years.
Hint: Type the word meaning participants choose freely to take part.
4. Taking part is voluntary. You may withdraw at any time.
Hint: Type the verb for pulling out of a study, which participants have a right to do.
5. Data is stored securely and de-identified. CONTACT: Ms Ray, ray@school.vic.edu.au
Hint: Type the heading that lists who participants can reach with questions.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Title: Sleep and School Marks
B Purpose: link sleep to marks
C Taking part is compulsory.
D You may withdraw at any time.
Line C — A participant information statement must say that taking part is voluntary, not compulsory. Line 3 should read 'Taking part is voluntary.'
Question 2
A Participant Information
B Researcher: Ms J. Tran
C Contact: not available to you
Line C — The statement must give contact details so participants can ask questions or raise concerns. Line 3 should list the researcher's email, not say it is unavailable.
Question 3
A Study: Phone use at school
B Purpose: compare phone use
C You will: complete a survey
D Data is posted publicly.
Line D — The statement must explain how data is used and stored. Data stored securely protects participants, so it should not be posted publicly. Line 4 should read 'Data is stored securely.'
Question 4
A Your rights
B You cannot withdraw once done.
C Your data is then deleted.
Line B — Participants have a right to withdraw at any time. Line 2 should read 'You can withdraw at any time.'
Question 5
A Purpose: not stated
B You will: answer 8 questions
C Takes about 5 minutes.
Line A — The statement must tell participants the purpose of the study. Line 1 should state it, for example 'Purpose: study canteen sales'.

Student with a class code? Join your class →