PROJECT TITLE: Public relations practice in the Internet era: Internet as a public relations' tool, opportunity, and challenge.

You are being invited to participate in a research project conducted by Hua-yu Chen from the School of Communication at the University of Houston.  This project is part of a MA thesis.

NON-PARTICIPATION STATEMENT

Your participation is voluntary and you may refuse to participate or withdraw at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. You may also refuse to answer any question. A decision to participate or not or to withdraw your participation will have no effect on your standing.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To understand the role public relations plays in the Internet communication and the changes the Internet brings to the communication process. The study is expected to be completed in April 2000.

PROCEDURES

You will be one of approximately 1,000 subjects to be asked to participate in this project.  Followed this consent you may find the questionnaire.  It should take about 10 minutes to complete this survey.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Your participation in this project is anonymous.  Please do not write your name on any of the research materials to be returned to the principal investigator.

RISKS/DISCOMFORTS

There is no known risk in participating in this study.

BENEFITS

This research project can help us obtain more knowledge about the influence of the Internet on public relations practice and build theoretical and practical development on this topic. Either as a completed MA thesis or through articles that arise from it, the professional can obtain and use these research findings to help them better understand the role the Internet plays in their practice. The results will be be posted on the investigator's homepage for participants to easily check out.

ALTERNATIVES

The only alternative to this project is non-participation.

PUBLICATION STATEMENT

The results of this study may be published in professional and/or scientific journals.  It may also be used for educational purposes or for professional presentations.  However, no individual subject will be identified.

1. I understand that informed consent is required of all persons participating in this project.
2. All procedures have been explained to me and all my questions have been answered to my satisfaction.
3. Any risks and/or discomforts have been explained to me.
4. Any benefits have been explained to me.
5. I understand that, if I have any questions, I may contact Hua-yu Chen at hychen@bayou.uh.edu.  I may also contact Dr. Robert Heath, faculty sponsor, at 713-743-2882.
6. I have been told that I may refuse to participate or to stop my participation in this project at any time before or during the project.  I may also refuse to answer any question.
7. ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING MY RIGHTS AS A RESEARCH SUBJECT MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON COMMITTEE FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS (713-743-9204).  ALL RESEARCH PROJECTS THAT ARE CARRIED OUT BY INVESTIGATORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON ARE GOVERNED BY REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
8. All information that is obtained in connection with this project and that can be identified with me will remain confidential as far as possible within legal limits.  Information gained from this study that can be identified with me may be released to no one other than the principal investigator [and his/her faculty sponsor].  The results may be published in scientific journals, professional publications, or educational presentations without identifying me by name.

Principal Investigator: Hua-yu Chen, graduate student, University of Houston