Welcome and thank you for considering taking part in this online survey.
This survey is entirely optional and has no impact on any grades and does not impact work on any module.
Before you decide we would like you to understand why the research is being done and what it would involve for you. Please contact one of the investigators using the contact details below if you have any questions.
The purpose of this study is to allow me to explore if there is a correlation between the 9 diverse characteristics set out in the UK 2010 equality act including indications of socio-economic background and perceptions of sustainability, including Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainable attitudes, behaviours and knowledge.
The overarching aim of this research is to explore the role of diversity within undergraduate design teams leading to increased sustainable design solutions.
The questionnaire consists of three sections to be completed:
1) Diversity and Background
2) Sustainability Perceptions
3) Sustainability Attitudes/Behaviours/Knowledge
This study is part of a doctoral research project supported by Loughborough University. The study will be undertaken by Ben Pearson and supervised by Rhoda Trimingham.
You will be asked to complete an anonymous online survey, which should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. You do not need to do anything before completing the survey. By taking part you will contribute to the development of knowledge in the areas of sustainability and diversity. As this is an online survey, it is a low-risk activity and no disadvantages or risks have been identified in association with participating.
You must be over the age of 18 and have the capacity to fully understand and consent to this research.
Loughborough University will be using information/data from you to undertake this study and will act as the data controller for this study. This means that the University is responsible for looking after your information and using it properly. No identifiable personal information will be collected and so your participation in the study will be confidential. Your anonymised data will be used in logbooks, reports and posters relating to the project. No individual will be identifiable in any report, presentation, or publication. All information will be securely stored on the University computer systems. Anonymised data will be retained until the final project marks have been verified, expected October 2024.
After you have read this information and asked any questions you may have, if you are happy to participate please read the consent page and confirm your consent by checking the tick box at the bottom of the page. You can withdraw from the survey at any time by closing the browser. However, as the survey is anonymous once you have submitted the survey it will not be possible to withdraw your data from the study.
Rhoda Trimingham (Responsible Investigator), School of Design & Creative Arts, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, r.l.trimingham@lboro.ac.uk, 01509 222781
Ben Pearson (Main investigator), School of Design & Creative Arts, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, b.pearson@student.lboro.ac.uk,
What if I am not happy with how the research was conducted?
If you are not happy with how the research was conducted, please contact the Secretary of the Ethics Approvals (Human Participants) Sub-Committee, Research & Enterprise Office, Hazlerigg Building, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, LE11 3TU. Tel: 01509 222423. Email: researchpolicy@lboro.ac.uk
The University also has policies relating to Research Misconduct and Whistle Blowing which are available online at https://www.lboro.ac.uk/internal/research-ethics-integrity/research-integrity/.
If you require any further information regarding the General Data Protection Regulations, please see: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/privacy/research-privacy/
Informed Consent
The purpose and details of this study have been explained to me.
I understand that this study is designed to further scientific knowledge and that all procedures have been approved by the Loughborough University Ethics Approvals (Human Participants) Sub-Committee.
I have read and understood the information sheet and this consent form.
I have had an opportunity to ask questions about my participation.
I understand that taking part in the survey is anonymous, only non-identifying demographic information will be collected, e.g. gender.
I understand that I am under no obligation to take part in the study and can withdraw during the survey by closing the browser but will not be able to withdraw once my responses have been submitted.
I understand that information I provide will be used for coursework submission.
