CONSENT FORM
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRESHMAN
PHYSICS CURRICULUM: A QUANTITATIVE
STUDY OF STUDENT CONCEPTUAL LEARNING AND REASONING.
You are invited to participate in a research study of whether freshmen enrolled in a Physics First program can learn physics
concepts through the administration of a pre-test and post-test of either freshmen in a Physics First program or freshmen enrolled
in a course other than physics or physical science as a control or juniors/senior students enrolled in a first-year physics program in
your district/building as the comparison group. You were selected as a possible participant because your district/ school either has
a Physics First program or students in a traditional program or freshmen students enrolled in a freshman non- physics or physical
science course and junior/seniors enrolled in a first-year physics course. We ask that you read this form and ask any questions you
may have before agreeing toparticipate in the study.
This study is being conducted by Carl E. Martikean, Doctor of Education candidate, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
Background information
The purpose of this study is to compare freshmen enrolled in a Physics First program with junior/seniors enrolled in a first-year
physics program to ascertain how well freshmen learn physics concepts. Freshmen not enrolled in a Physics First class or physical
science will be the control group.
Procedures
If you agree to be in this study, we would ask you to do the following things:
If you are the district superintendent, or science director, or administrator who can consent to participation in a research project, I
would request you to register at http://www.thornton-science.com/physicsfirst.htm . Then print a copy for your records or save a
copy of this form for your records and broadcast the consent to principals and teachers who might be involved who also can
register so that ultimately the student participants can register. The classroom teacher will be emailed the student login
information after students register.
Risks, inconveniences, and benefits of being in the study
The study has no foreseeable risks or inconveniences to the participants.
The benefits to participation are: This research has no direct benefits to any participant.
Compensation
You will receive payment: None (If subjects receive class points or some other token, it will be at the discretion of the teacher
alone.)
Confidentiality
We will keep all facts about you private. We will keep your records private to the extent allowed by law. We will use a study
number rather than your name on study records where we can. Your name and other facts that might point to you will not appear
when we present this study or publish the results.
Voluntary nature of the study
Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your current or future relations with University of Phoenix. If you
decide to participate, you are free to not answer any question or withdraw at any time without affecting those relationships.
Contacts and questions
The researcher conducting this study are: Carl E. Martikean. You may ask any questions you have now. If you have questions
later, you may contact me at 10937 Sheephead Court, DeMotte, In 46310, 219-617-1401, cmartikean@email.phoenix.edu. My
advisor is Dr. Gayla Lloyd, gllloyd@email.phoenix.edu.
You will be given a copy of this information 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. I
further agree that my name typed on the line below is intended to have, and shall have, the same validity as my handwritten
signature.
Signature (Name typed here is equivalent to signature): _______________________________________________
District Administrator________________
Date: __________________
Building Principal________________ Classroom Teacher__________