Consent Form


This game is part of a research study conducted by Varun Dutt and Pratik Chaturvedi at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, India. The game was coded by Akshit Arora, an undergraduate student in Computer Science and Engineering at the Thapar University, Patiala, India.

The purpose of the research is to find out how human and environmental factors play a role in decision-making against landslides.

Procedures

Throughout the experiment, you will be making a series of decisions to try and maximize your payoff through your choices. You will be asked to imagine that you reside in an Indian Himalayan town, where you need to make daily investment decisions in order to mitigate landslides. You will be making investment decisions daily until the program stops on its own.

Participant Requirements

Participation in this study is limited to individuals age 18 and older, with at least basic computer proficiency, and the ability to read and understand English.

Risks

The risks and discomfort associated with participation in this study are no greater than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during other online activities.

Benefits

There may be no personal benefit from your participation in the study but the knowledge received may be of value to society.

Compensation & Costs

You will be compensated for completing the game at the rate initially advertised. You will only be eligible for compensation if you have completed the game in full and supplied the appropriate confirmation code. There is no partial payment if you do not complete the study. You will not be penalized if you choose to withdraw from the study without completing it, but you will not be compensated either.

There will be no cost to you if you participate in this study.

Confidentiality

The data captured for the research does not include any personally identifiable information about you.

By participating in this research, you understand and agree that IIT Mandi may be required to disclose your consent form, data and other personally identifiable information as required by law, regulation, subpoena or court order. Otherwise, your confidentiality will be maintained in the following manner:

Your data and consent form will be kept separate. Your consent form will be stored in a locked location on IIT Mandi property and will not be disclosed to third parties.
By participating, you understand and agree that the data and information gathered during this study may be used by IIT Mandi and published and/or disclosed by IIT Mandi to others outside of IIT Mandi.

Right to Ask Questions & Contact Information

If you have any questions about this study, you should feel free to ask them by contacting the Principal Investigator at:

Dr. Varun Dutt
Applied Cognitive Science Lab
Academic Block, Paddal Ground
Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi
Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India - 175001
+91 (1905) 267-041
varun@iitmandi.ac.in

If you have questions later, desire additional information, or wish to withdraw your participation please contact the Principal Investigator by mail, phone or e-mail in accordance with the contact information listed above.

Voluntary Participation

Your participation in this research is voluntary. You may discontinue participation at any time during the research activity.