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Informed Consent Form
Research Title: Bird’s-eye Reading: Cross-domain Paper Reading from a Global Perspective to Enhance Critical Thinking and Creativity
Research Overview
This project aims to enhance the critical thinking and academic reading capabilities of researchers and graduate students. Current AI tools often provide localized information restricted to a single research branch, making it difficult for users to access "parallel" insights from other disciplines. This project introduces the "Bird’s-eye View Learning" framework to provide a global perspective, helping researchers identify limitations in existing literature and derive innovative solutions by synthesizing cross-disciplinary insights.
Research Procedure
You are invited to participate in a user study (system evaluation) lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The study consists of the following three stages:
Main Task: You will be asked to use our prototype system to read a classic or complex research paper in your field. You will utilize the system’s "Bird’s-eye View" feature to explore related and parallel literature.
Feedback Phase: You will participate in a semi-structured interview to share how the system influenced your critical thinking process and whether it helped you identify research gaps.
Questionnaire Phase: You will complete a brief questionnaire regarding your user experience with academic reading.
Risks and Discomforts
We do not anticipate that participation in this study will involve risks "greater than minimal risks." You may experience mild mental fatigue common in academic reading. You are encouraged to take breaks as needed at any time during the experiment.
Research Benefits
This project provides you with a novel tool that has the potential to improve the efficiency of your literature reviews and the depth of your critical reading. In a broader sense, your participation will contribute to the development of AI-assisted research tools designed to break "information cocoons" in academia, thereby further fostering academic innovation.
Compensation
Each participant who completes the full research procedure will receive a compensation of 60 HKD (or an equivalent gift card, such as an Amazon gift card). If you choose to withdraw from the study midway, compensation will be provided pro-rata based on the duration of your participation. This compensation is a token of appreciation for your time and is not a financial inducement.
Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal
Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. You may refuse to participate, request to withdraw at any time, or refuse to answer any specific questions without any negative consequences. Your decision to participate or not will not affect your academic standing or your relationship with your supervisor or university.
Data Collection and Privacy Protection
Data Collection: We will collect your questionnaire responses, system interaction logs (e.g., how you navigate the literature map), and audio recordings of the interview.
Anonymization: All collected data will be de-identified. Your name will be replaced by a participant ID (e.g., P01).
Data Storage: Data will be stored on encrypted university servers, accessible only to members of the research team.
Data Retention: De-identified data will be retained for a maximum of 3 years after the publication of the relevant research papers. No identifiable personal information will be included in any published research reports or papers.
Statement of Informed Consent
By clicking "Yes" below to proceed to the next page, I indicate that I have read and fully understood the contents described in this consent form, and I voluntarily agree to participate in this research.
