Permission Form for Parent/Legal Guardians

I am Christina Lee, a Duke University senior. I am asking high school students to take part in
focus group interviews as a part of my public policy honors thesis. This project aims to interview
American high school students from public schools on their attitudes and experiences in the U.S.
high school system and compare them to students’ responses from education systems in other
countries.
What will your child be asked to do?
Your child will be asked to participate in an informal focus group interview about his/her
experiences in high school. The questions do not ask for sensitive personal information, for
example, I will ask, “How many hours a day do you study?” or “If you could create your ideal
school, what would that school be like?” The group interview will be recorded so that I can
make accurate written transcripts. I would also like to inform you that your child will be
compensated $5.00 in cash for participating in this study.
How long will the interview last?
The interview will generally last from 30 minutes to one hour, though the length may vary.
What are the benefits to this study?
The results from this study will help to understand high school student experiences in different
countries.
Who will get to see this information?
My advisor and I will hear your child’s responses, but no personal information will be gathered.
Recordings of the interview will be destroyed as soon as written transcripts are prepared.

Will my child be asked to provide assent.

Yes. Your child does not have to participate if you or your child does not want to. Each child is
completely free to skip questions and to give answers that are as short or as full as the child
wishes. If your child decides to take part in the project, he/she can still decide at any time that
he/she no longer wants to continue.
What if I or my child has any questions?
If you or your child has questions about the project, please feel free to contact me at
lee.christina@duke.edu or at 201-669-6244. You can also contact my advisor, Leslie Babinski at
919-613-9296 or via e-mail at leslie.babinski@duke.edu. If you have any questions regarding
your child’s rights as a participant in this research study, you may contact the Chair of the
Human Subjects Committee at 684-3030.
_______________________________________________________________________
I give my agreement for my child to take part in this research project.

Name of Child__________________________________________

_________________________________________ ____________________________
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian Date

___________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian