Nuclear Risk Perception

Hello:
You are invited to participate in our survey about Nuclear Risk Perception. In this survey, approximately 200 people will be asked to complete a survey that evaluates their perception of risk associated with living in close proximity to Arkansas Nuclear One. It will take approximately 20 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. There are no foreseeable risks associated with this project. However, if you feel uncomfortable answering any questions, you can withdraw from the survey at any point. It is very important for us to learn your opinions.

Your survey responses will be strictly confidential and data from this research will be reported only in the aggregate. Your information will be coded and will remain confidential. If you have questions at any time about the survey or the procedures, you may contact Clayton Frazier at 479-356-2092 or by email at [email protected]. Thank you very much for your time and support. Please read the informed consent form below, and, once complete, complete the survey by clicking on the Continue button below.

Informed Consent Form

Arkansas Tech University

Title of Project: Spatial Distance Decay of Public Risk Perception: A Case of Nuclear Evacuation Planning Zone
Principal Investigator: Xiang Chen
Other Investigators: Clayton Frazier

We invite you to take part in a research study The Spatial Distance Decay of Public Risk Perception: A Case Study in a Nuclear Evacuation Planning Zone at Russellville, AR, which seeks to examine if spatial distance plays a significant role in the communication and education of evacuation information. Taking part in this study is entirely voluntary. We urge you discuss any questions about this study with our staff members. Talk to your family and friends about it and take your time to make your decision. If you decide to participate you must sign this form to show that you want to take part.

Section 1. Purpose of the Research

The purpose of the study is to examine if spatial distance plays a significant role in the communication and education of evacuation information. Using a case study in the nuclear evacuation planning zone in Russellville, AR, we will conduct individual surveys to evaluate the level of knowledge of nuclear evacuation and then use statistical models to identify if individuals’ perception of risk diminishes as the individual's home is removed from the epicenter of the risk.

Approximately 100 people will take part in this research in the state of Arkansas and about 30 people are expected to take part at Arkansas Tech University.

Section 2. Procedures
Participants will receive an anonymous survey in paper or through a link to online survey websites such as QuestionPro or SurveyMonkey. Participants will be asked 8 questions about their basic information such as gender, age, home address, etc.; and then they are expected to answer 14 multiple choice questions regarding risk perception and knowledge of nuclear evacuation. After they complete all questions, they will receive the correct answer which is used for facilitating their understanding of nuclear evacuation.
Section 3. Time Duration of the Procedures and Study
If you agree to take part in this study, your involvement will last approximately 20 minutes.

Section 4. Discomforts and Risks

There might be nonphysical risks of participating in the study. Nonphysical risks may include potential anxiety related to the sensitive nature of the questions asked.

Section 5. Potential Benefits

After the survey, you will receive the correct answer for questions about risk perception and evacuation knowledge. This answer will facilitate your understanding of nuclear disaster preparedness and evacuation strategies. However, there is no guarantee that you will acquire this knowledge from being in this research. Possible benefits to others: results of this research may guide the disaster preparedness for the participants’ family members and friends.

Section 6. Statement of Confidentiality

6a. Privacy and confidentiality measures

Research records that are reviewed, stored, and analyzed at Arkansas Tech University will be kept in a secured area in Dean Hall 107e, Department of Emergency Management, Arkansas Tech University.

In the event of any publication or presentation resulting from the research, no personally identifiable information will be shared.
We will keep your participation in this research study confidential to the extent permitted by law. However, it is possible that other people may become aware of your participation in this study. For example, the following people/groups may inspect and copy records pertaining to this research.

• The Arkansas Tech University Institutional Review Board: Mrs. Beth Gray
• The Arkansas Tech University IRB Office

Some of these records could contain information that personally identifies you. Reasonable efforts will be made to keep the personal information in your research record private and confidential but absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Section 7. Costs for Participation
a. Costs:
 There will be no additional costs associated with study participation.

b. Treatment and compensation for injury:
 Costs for the treatment of research-related injuries will be charged to your insurance carrier or to you. Some insurance companies may not cover costs associated with research studies. If for any reason these costs are not covered by your insurance, they will be your responsibility. You will also be responsible for any deductible, co-insurance and/or co-pay.

You will not lose any legal rights by signing this form.

Section 8. Compensation for Participation
You will not receive any compensation for being in this research study.

Section 9. Research Funding

• Funding disclosure: None.
• Conflict of Interest: None.

Section 10. Voluntary Participation
Taking part in this research study is voluntary. If you choose to take part in this research, your major responsibilities will include completing a survey that includes your personal information and knowledge of nuclear disaster preparedness. You do not have to participate in this research. If you choose to take part, you have the right to stop at any time. If you decide not to participate or if you decide to stop taking part in the research at a later date, there will be no penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

During the course of the research you will be provided with any significant new findings that may affect your willingness to continue participating in this research.

Section 11. Contact Information for Questions or Concerns

• You have the right to ask any questions you may have about this research. If you have questions, complaints or concerns or believe you may have developed an injury related to this research, contact Xiang Chen at (479) 498-6016.
• If you have questions regarding your rights as a research participant or you have concerns or general questions about the research, contact the research participants protection advocate in the Arkansas Tech University IRB Office at (479) 356-2001. You may also call this number if you cannot reach the research team or wish to talk to someone else.

For more information about participation in a research study and about the Institutional Review Board (IRB), a group of people who review the research to protect your rights, please visit Arkansas Tech University’s IRB web site at http://www.atu.edu/research/human_subjects.php. Included on this web site, under the heading “Participant Info”, you can access federal regulations and information about the protection of human research participants. If you do not have access to the internet, copies of these federal regulations are available by calling the Arkansas Tech University at (479) 356-2001.

Before making the decision regarding enrollment in this research you should have:

• Discussed this study with an investigator,
• Reviewed the information in this form, and
• Had the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

By checking the box below, it means that you have received this information, have asked the questions you currently have about the research and those questions have been answered.

Only approved investigators for this research may explain the research and obtain informed consent. A witness or witness/translator is required when the participant cannot read the consent document, and it was read or translated.

I Agree