Consent Form
PyLearn: A Python Interpreter for Beginners

You are invited to participate in a research study of errors commonly encountered by beginning programmers. You were selected as a possible participant because you are currently enrolled in an Intro to Computer Science course at Carleton College. We ask that you read this form and ask any questions you may have before agreeing to be in the study. Please note that if you are under the age of 18, you are ineligible for this study.

This study is being conducted by: Matt Adams, Michael Domingues, Rhys Lindmark, Tung Phan, Jake Reardon, and Alex Voorhees, Computer Science Department, Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota.

Background information

The purpose of this study is to build a data set of errors commonly encountered by beginning Python programmers. These errors will then be used in the creation of a tool to help novice programmers learn the Python language and more effectively debug their code.

Procedures

If you agree to be in this study, we would ask that you use a specific program we have developed to anonymously log the errors generated by Python code you are writing and executing for this class, as well as the code that triggers them. This program will only be available when you are working on Carleton-owned computers in the Math or CS computer labs.

We would also ask that you allow us to occasionally observe (in person) your sessions in the CMC computer labs. At the end of the term, you will be invited to complete an end-of-term survey regarding your experiences learning Python.

Risks, inconveniences, and benefits of being in the study

The study poses no risks to participants. Using our logging software may lead to a minor slow-down in code execution.

The benefits to participation are: Assisting in the creation of a tool which would help future Intro CS students to learn Python and debug their code more effectively.

Compensation 

You will receive no compensation for participating in this study.

Confidentiality

We will keep all facts about you private.  We will keep your records private to the extent allowed by law.  We will use a study number rather than your name or username on study records where we can.  Your name and other facts that might point to you will not appear when we present this study or publish the results.

Voluntary nature of the study

Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your current or future relations with Carleton College. If you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw at any time with out affecting those relationships. If at any time you choose to withdraw from the study, please contact the investigators (see below) and all previously logged data will be deleted.

Contacts and questions

The researchers conducting this study are: 
	
	Matt Adams		(adamsm@carleton.edu)
	Michael Domingues	(domingum@carleton.edu)
	Rhys Lindmark		(lindmarr@carleton.edu)
	Tung Phan		(phant@carleton.edu)
	Jake Reardon		(reardonj@carleton.edu)
	Alex Voorhees		(voorheea@carleton.edu)

You may ask any questions you have now. If you have questions later, you may contact them at the email addresses listed above. Additionally, you may also contact our faculty advisor:
	
	Amy Cszimar Dalal	(adalal@carleton.edu)

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study and would like to talk to someone other than the researcher(s), contact the Institutional Review Board for Research with Human Subjects at Carleton College, c/o Office of the Associate Dean of the College, Carleton College, One North College Street, Northfield MN 55057; telephone (507) 646-4301.

You will be given a copy of this information to keep for your records.

Statement of Consent:

I have read the above information. I have asked questions and have received answers. I consent to participate in the study. I also verify that I am 18 years or older as of today's date.

Signature:_____________________________________________________	

Date: __________________

Signature of Investigator:_________________________________________	

Date: __________________