I am writing to ask for your help with my dissertation research. All data collected for my dissertation is held confidential (see below for more detail).

QUESTION
Would you be willing to complete a short survey to help me with my dissertation research?

If YES, please follow this link to the survey:
Take the Survey

Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
https://buswisc.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0kfa8cyQLPW8cgR

I will be making a $5 donation to the Museum of Digital Art and Entertainment (the MADE) for each completed survey. The MADE’s primary purpose is to educate the public about the artistry, craftsmanship and inspiration that go into the creation of videogames and digital works of art, such as programmatic visual/audio demonstrations.

The purpose of my research is to examine factors that influence outcomes of video game development projects. I will be making a summary report of my research available to all individuals who participate.

Thank you for considering my request for help. I expect the survey to take about 15 minutes to complete. Participant information and a consent form are below.

Sincerely,

Jay O’Toole
Doctoral Candidate
University of Wisconsin-Madison

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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
Research Participant Information and Consent Form

Title of the Study: An examination of video game development
Principal Investigator: Anne Miner (phone: 608-263-4143; email: aminer@bus.wisc.edu)
Student Researcher: Jay O’Toole (phone: 608-554-4608; email: jotoole@bus.wisc.edu)

DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH
You are invited to participate in a research study about video game development.

You have been asked to participate in this study because your connection to the video game industry. We would like you to participate even if you worked for a company that is no longer around or if you worked on a video game that never was finished.

The purpose of the research is to examine factors that influence outcomes of video game development projects.

This study will include one electronic survey which will be completed by you.

The research will be conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. You will be contacted through Qualtrics online surveys to be invited to participate.

WHAT WILL MY PARTICIPATION INVOLVE?
If you decide to participate in this research you will be asked to complete one electronic survey which takes approximately 15 minutes of your time.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS TO ME?
Data breach is a potential risk of participation. However, data will be stored on a secure server and all data files will be encrypted as an additional security measure to ensure privacy and confidentiality are protected and mitigate the risk.

ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS TO ME?
There are no direct benefits for participation in this research.

HOW WILL MY CONFIDENTIALITY BE PROTECTED?
If you provide your name and contact information at the end of the survey, please be aware that your responses will be identifiable. While there will probably be publications as a results of this study, your name will not be used. Only group characteristics will be published.

WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
You may ask any questions about the research at any time by contacting the Principal Investigator Anne Miner at (608) 263-4143. You may also call the student researcher, Jay O’Toole at (608) 554-4608.

If you are not satisfied with the response of the research team, have more questions, or want to talk with someone about your rights as a research participant, you should contact the Education Research and Social & Behavioral Science Institutional Review Board office at (608) 263-2320.

Your participation is completely voluntary. If you begin participation and change your mind you may end your participation at any time without penalty.

By clicking on the link to this survey, you are indicating that you have read this consent form, had an opportunity to ask any questions about your participation in this research and are voluntarily consenting to participate.