Identification of Investigators & Purpose of Study  
     Your child is being asked to participate in a research study conducted by Kash Calvin from Haas Hall Academy.  The purpose of this study is to discover possible inequities faced by adolescents who identify as a sexual minority comparative to individuals that identify as heterosexual. Research will focus around the mental health of participants and if applicable, identify commonalities between responses. This study will contribute to the researcher’s completion of his AP Capstone Diploma. It is possible that the study will increase recognition over the niche topic of sexual minority mental health.

Research Procedures
     Should you decide to allow your child to participate in this research study, you will be asked to sign this consent form once all your questions have been answered to your satisfaction.  This study consists of an anonymous survey that will be administered to participants between the ages of twelve and twenty five. Your child will be asked to provide answers to a series of questions related to the topics of sexual identity and mental health.

Time Required
     Participation in this study will require 5-10 minutes of your child’s time.

Risks
     Given the sensitive nature of the topic, your child will incur some risk by submitting their data. However, the identities of the subjects will be kept confidential. It is possible subjects will experience emotional discomfort due to the survey’s content. In an attempt to mitigate this, participants will be informed of the survey or interview content prior to participation.

Benefits
     The results of this study may illuminate inequities between those who identify as a sexual minority and those that identify as heterosexual. With the contribution of this knowledge, it is possible societal change could be incited. At the very least, the contribution of these research findings will serve to educate those who lack knowledge in the sensitive topics of self harm and sexual identity.

Payment for participation
     There is no payment for participation in this study.

Confidentiality
     The results of this research will be presented to a panel of judges representing College Board. Your child will be identified in the research records by a code name or number. The researcher retains the right to use and publish non-identifiable data.  When the results of this research are published or discussed in conferences, no information will be included that would reveal your child’s identity.  All data will be stored in a secure location accessible only to the researcher.  Upon completion of the study, all information that links individual respondents with their answers will be destroyed.
There is one exception to confidentiality we need to make you aware of. In certain research studies, it is our ethical responsibility to report situations of child abuse, child neglect, or any life-threatening situation to appropriate authorities. However, we are not seeking this type of information in our study nor will you be asked questions about these issues.

Participation & Withdrawal
     Your child’s participation is entirely voluntary.  He/she is free to choose not to participate.  Should you and your child choose to participate, he/she can withdraw at any time without consequences of any kind.

Questions about the Study
     If you have questions or concerns during the time of your child’s participation in this study, or after its completion or you would like to receive a copy of the final aggregate results of this study, please contact:

Kash Calvin
Student Researcher
Haas Hall Academy Bentonville
kashcalvin@icloud.com 

-or-

Katherine B. Cochran
English Department, Head / Research Department, Head
Haas Hall Academy Bentonville
Telephone: 479-966-4930
katherinecochran@haashall.org


Questions about Your Rights as a Research Subject
     If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research subject, please contact:

Dr. Rod Wittenberg
Headmaster and Chairmember, Institutional Review Board
Haas Hall Academy Bentonville
479-966-4930
rodwittenberg@haashall.org 

Giving of Consent
I have read this consent form and I understand what is being requested of my child as a participant in this study.  I freely consent for my child to participate. I certify that I am at least 18 years of age.