PARENT INTERVIEW CONSENT FORM
'It’s Not Just Child’s Play:’ How Parents and Kids of Diverse Backgrounds Understand,
Access, and Experience Youth Activities
You are invited to participate in a research study on children’s extra-curricular activities. You were
selected as a possible participant because you are a parent of a child 10-17 who participates in out
of school activities. We ask that you read this form and ask any questions you may have before
agreeing to be in the study.
The study is being conducted by Professors Teresa Swartz, Doug Hartmann, and Ann Meier of the
Sociology Department at the University of Minnesota and Professor Toben Nelson from the School
of Public Health at the University of Minnesota.
Background:
The purpose of this interview will be to gather parents’ and youths’ views and perspectives about
children’s extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, dance, math team, or other clubs.
Procedures:
If you agree to be in this study, you will be asked to participate in an interview about your views
and experiences with children’s extracurricular activities. We will ask about your thoughts on what
you think are the purpose and goals of these activities, why you think kids and families participate
or do not participate in them, and what you think are the benefits and drawbacks of such activities
for kids, families and communities. A set of questions will structure the interview, but these will not
necessarily be followed precisely and some may be omitted. We are interested in having you
discuss your views and experiences with youth activities. You will also be asked to complete an
online questionnaire about your family’s experience with these activities and some other
background information. If you prefer, a paper copy of the questionnaire can be provided to you.
Participants are free to select or skip any topic they so choose.
The interview will last for approximately 1.5-2 hours and will be audio-recorded. The questionnaire
may take between 30-45 minutes to complete depending on the number of children you have and
how many activities they have participated in.
Risks and Benefits of Being in the Study Voluntary Nature of the Study
There are minimal risks to participating in this study. Some people might find some of the questions
of a personal nature. Some of the questions may cause you to remember upsetting events such as if
your child had a negative experience in a particular activity or with a particular coach or if you had
a family conflict over one of your child’s activities. The questionnaire may cause some mild
annoyance if your children have participated in many activities as it asks about each activity and
when they participated. Your participation in this study is voluntary. You may skip any question
that you do not want to answer in either the interview or questionnaire. You may also end the
interview at any time.
There are no direct benefits to participating in this study.
Compensation:
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You will receive $40 for participating in the interview, and $10 for completing the questionnaire.
Confidentiality:
The researchers will keep participant reponses confidential. In any sort of report we might publish,
we will not include any information that will make it possible to identify participants. Research
records will be stored securely and only researchers will have access to the records. Transcripts of
the interviews will be de-identified and any recordings of the will be stored on a password protected
computer and only accessible to the researchers. Study data will be encrypted according to current
University policy for protection of confidentiality.
Voluntary Nature of the Study:
Your participation in this study is voluntary. You may skip any question that you do not want to
answer in either the interview or questionnaire. You may also end the interview at any time. Your
decision whether or not to participate will not affect your relationship with any youth organization,
the University of Minnesota or any services you receive through the University. If you decide to
participate, you are free to withdraw at any time without affecting those relationships.
Contacts and Questions:
The researchers conducting this study are: Professors Teresa Swartz, Doug Hartmann, Ann Meier
from the Sociology Department, and Toben Nelson from the School of Public Health. You may ask
any questions you have now. If you have questions later, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Swartz
at 612-626-1862/email: tswartz@umn.edu or Dr, Hartmann at 612-624-0835/hartm021@umn.edu
or gkidsactivities@umn.edu or call.
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 the Research Subjects’ Advocate Line, D528
Mayo, 420 Delaware St. Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455; (612) 625-1650.
You will be given a copy of this information sheet to keep for your records.
Statement of Consent:
I have read the above information. I have asked questions and have received answers. I consent to
participate in the study.
Signature:____________________________________________ Date: __________________
Signature of Investigator:_________________________________ Date: __________________
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