Robotics in hotels

UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE ETHICS COMMITTEE FOR STUDIES INVOLVING THE USE OF HUMAN PARTICIPANTS CONSENT FORM FOR STUDIES INVOLVING HUMAN PARTICIPANTS I have received a Participant Information Sheet explaining the aims, methods, design, names, and contact details of key people for the study. I have also been informed that all the information gathered will be collected and stored confidentially and how it will be used for this study, also I have been informed how my personal information will be stored and how long for. I have been given information and constructive information about my involvement in the study, and have been told that I may withdraw at any time. I have been told that if there are any significant changes to the aim(s) or design of the study I will be informed and asked to renew any consent to participate. 1 Title of study The impacts of emerging robotic technologies to enhancing customer satisfaction in the UK Hospitality Industry. 2 Introduction You are being invited to take part in a study. Before you decide whether to do so, it is important that you understand the research that is being done and what your involvement will include. Please take the time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Do not hesitate to ask us anything that is not clear or for any further information you would like to help you make your decision. Please do take your time to decide whether or not you wish to take part. The University’s regulations governing the conduct of studies involving human participants can be accessed via this link: http://sitem.herts.ac.uk/secreg/upr/RE01.htm Thank you for reading this. 3 What is the purpose of this study? The purpose of the study is to find out how robotic technologies influence customer satisfaction and what makes them different from human interaction. This is a postgraduate research project and the findings will be presented in my dissertation. 4 Do I have to take part? It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to take part in this study. If you do decide to take part you will be given this information sheet to keep and be asked to sign a consent form. Agreeing to join the study does not mean that you have to complete it. You are free to withdraw at any stage without giving a reason. 5 Are there any age or other restrictions that may prevent me from participating? You need to be over 18 in order to participate in this study. 6 How long will my part in the study take? If you decide to take part in this study, you will be involved in it for approx. 10 minutes. 7 What will happen to me if I take part? The first thing to happen will be for you to tick the box below showing your consent to participate. You will then be asked to fill in an online questionnaire. 8 What are the possible disadvantages, risks or side effects of taking part? Page - 26 - of 29 Form EC1, 6 May 2015 There are no possible disadvantages, risks or side effects of taking part in this study, other than you giving up a bit of time. 9 What are the possible benefits of taking part? You will get an opportunity to express your experience with emerging robotic technologies within the UK hospitality industry and contribute to an important research study on this topic. 10 How will my taking part in this study be kept confidential? Any personal data collected will be anonymised and confidentiality will be maintained. All data will be stored electronically on a password-protected computer, to which only the researcher has access. It will be stored for 6 months, after which time the data will be destroyed under secure conditions. 11 Audio-visual material n/a 12 What will happen to the data collected within this study? The data collected will be stored electronically, in a password-protected environment, for 6 months, after which time it will be destroyed under secure conditions; 13 Will the data be required for use in further studies? The data will not be used in any further studies. 14 Who has reviewed this study? 14.3 The University of Hertfordshire Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities Ethics Committee with Delegated Authority The UH protocol number is BUS/PGT/UH/02958 15 Factors that might put others at risk Please note that if, during the study, any medical conditions or non-medical circumstances such as unlawful activity become apparent that might or had put others at risk, the University may refer the matter to the appropriate authorities. 16 Who can I contact if I have any questions? If you would like further information or would like to discuss any details personally, please get in touch with me by email: anne.marieajohn@gmail.com Although we hope it is not the case, if you have any complaints or concerns about any aspect of the way you have been approached or treated during the course of this study, please write to the University’s Secretary and Registrar. Thank you very much for reading this information and giving consideration to taking part in this study.