Bouza Irb Application

Applicant Name: Emily Bouza
Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops
Application Submission Procedures:

Please complete the cover sheet below.
Please read and check the 3 checkboxes on page 5 regarding exemption from review
Please respond to the following items listed in sections I to VIII below.
ALL sections must be completed or the application could be subject to an immediate
rejection.
Use additional pages as necessary, but format and submit as ONE Microsoft Word
document.
Insert all additional documents (e.g., informed consent, recruitment documents,
surveys, etc.) as appendices at the end of the application document, and refer to them
in the body of the application (i.e., See Appendix B).
Submit the application to the chair of the Institutional Review Board via email
(rcade@umhb.edu) as a Microsoft Word document.
Applications requiring full IRB review are due on the last business day of each month
by 5:00 pm.
Applications that qualify for expedited review will be reviewed as they are received.
A full description of the IRB procedures at UMHB can be found on the IRB website:
http://academics.umhb.edu/irb/role-irb-umhb
UMHB IRB Application Cover Sheet

Reason for Submission: Date of Submission:
New Project 4/2717
Resubmission:
Modification to existing
Annual Renewal:
Adverse Event Report
PART A: PROTOCOL and INVESTIGATOR INFORMATION
Title of Study:
Examining Writing Center Workshops
Principal Investigator (PI): Emily Bouza
Faculty Supervisor (if PI is a student):

Contact Information of Principal Investigator:
Department: University Writing UMHB Mailbox: 8443
Phone number: (254) 295-5456 e-mail address: ebouza@umhb.edu
Contact Information of Faculty Supervisor (if applicable):
Department: UMHB Mailbox:
Phone number: e-mail address:
Co-Investigators (list names for ALL, students and/or faculty): Madeline Harris and Serena Del Rosario
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PART B: LEVEL OF RISK/TYPE OF REVIEW REQUESTED

Level of Risk:
Minimal Risk Greater than Minimal Risk
Research Type:
Quantitative Research Design
Qualitative Research Design
Mixed Methods Research Design
What vulnerable populations will be included as participants? (check all that apply)
None Children Prisoners Pregnant Women Individuals with disabilities
Economically or educationally disadvantaged Other
Does this research involve the administration of a drug (over the counter, FDA approved, etc.)?
Yes No
Does the study use existing archived data in which participants are unidentifiable?
Yes No
Type of Review Suggested by PI (or Faculty Supervisor):
Full Board Expedited
Justification/Explanation:
Minimal risk study involving consenting adults
PART C: SOURCE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Indicate all applicable sources of support and the sponsor:
Private/Industry Sponsor: Click here to enter text.
Internal (UMHB related grant) Sponsor: Click here to enter text.
Foundation Sponsor: Click here to enter text.
Other (specify) Sponsor: Click here to enter text.
No support
PART D: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Has the Principal Investigator completed training for the protection of human subjects research?
Yes No
2. Have ALL Co-Investigators completed training for the protection of human subjects research?
Yes (Attach ALL investigators certificates in application file) No
3. Has the Principal Investigator completed the Informed Consent Checklist on the IRB website?
Yes No
PART E: FACUTLY SUPERVISOR APPROVAL OF REVIEW

FOR FACULTY SUPERVISORS ON A STUDENT LED RESEARCH PROJECT (if applicable):
I have reviewed this IRB application and all associated documents (i.e., consent form, questionnaires, permission
letters, etc.) that are associated with this proposed human subject research project and have determined that 1)
the application is complete; 2) the information is accurate; and 3) the necessary consent/assent forms (if
applicable) are included and appropriately formatted.
Type Name Here Type Date Here

Faculty Supervisor Date
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CERTIFICATION OF INVESTIGATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
By submitting an IRB application electronically I agree/certify that:

1. I have reviewed this protocol submission in its entirety and that I am fully cognizant of, and in
agreement with, all submitted statements.
2. I have adequate resources and facilities to carry out the proposed research.
3. I will conduct this research study in strict accordance with all submitted statements except where a
change may be necessary to eliminate an apparent immediate hazard to a given research subject.
I will notify the IRB promptly of any change in the research procedures necessitated in the
interest of the safety of a given research subject.
I will request and obtain IRB approval of any proposed modification to the research protocol or
informed consent document(s) prior to implementing such modifications.
4. I will ensure that all co-investigators, and other personnel assisting in the conduct of this research
study have been provided a copy of the entire current version of the research protocol and are fully
informed of the current (a) study procedures (including procedure modifications); (b) informed
consent requirements and process; (c) potential risks associated with the study participation and the
steps to be taken to prevent or minimize these potential risks; (d) adverse event reporting
requirements; (e) data and record-keeping requirements; and (f) the current IRB approval status of the
research study.
5. I will not enroll any individual into this research study: (a) until such time that the conduct of the study
has been approved in writing or via email by the Chair of the IRB; (b) during any period wherein IRB
renewal approval of this research study has lapsed; (c) during any period wherein IRB approval of the
research study or research study enrollment has been suspended, or wherein the sponsor has suspended
research study enrollment; or (d) following termination of IRB approval of the research study or
following sponsor/principal investigator termination of research study enrollment.
6. I will respond promptly to all requests for information or materials solicited by the IRB or IRB Chair.
7. I will notify the IRB as soon as my study is complete and/or a minimum of one year following the
approval date of my project and provide a status on the study (i.e., completed, ongoing, etc.).
8. I will submit the application in a timely manner for IRB renewal approval if the project lasts longer
than one year.
9. I will not enroll any individual into this research study until such time that I obtain his/her written
informed consent, or, if applicable, the written informed consent of his/her authorized representative
(i.e., unless the IRB has granted a waiver of the requirement to obtain written informed consent ).
I will employ and oversee an informed consent process that ensures that potential research subjects
understand fully the purpose of the research study, the nature of the research procedures they are
being asked to undergo, the potential risks of these research procedures, and their rights as a
research study volunteer.
10. I will ensure that research subjects are kept fully informed of any new information that may affect
their willingness to continue to participate in the research study.
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11. I will maintain adequate, current, and accurate records of research data, outcomes, and adverse
events to permit an ongoing assessment of the risks/benefit ratio of research study participation.
12. I am cognizant of, and will comply with, current federal regulations and IRB requirements governing
human subject research including adverse event reporting requirements.
13. I will make a reasonable effort to ensure that subjects who have suffered an adverse event associated
with research participation receive adequate care to correct or alleviate the consequences of the
adverse event to the extent possible.
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UMHB Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Application for Human Subjects Research
Exemptions to IRB Review:
The Office for Human Research Protection published a decision tree to determine which studies
are exempt. Please review OHRP decision tree at the link below:
http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/policy/checklists/decisioncharts.html
Please indicate if your research project aligns with these three criteria below, and if so
mark each appropriate checkbox.
Is this research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings,

involving normal educational practices? Such as
A. Research on regular and special education instructional strategies, or
B. Research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques,
curricula, or classroom management methods.
Does this research involve the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude,
achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior? Do
not check this box if:
A. Information obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be
identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; or
B. Any disclosure of the human subjects' responses outside the research could
reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the
subjects financial standing, employability, or reputation.
Does this research involve the collection or study of existing data, documents, records,
pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens that are publicly available or is the information
is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that subjects cannot be identified, directly or
through identifiers linked to the subjects?
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I. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH

To analyze current practices during writing center workshops to determine to what extent they
follow and diverge from current pedagogy and theory.
Currently, tutors develop workshops for both specific classes and for general audiences with the
attempt to follow similar pedagogy to that they do in individual tutoring sessions. This means
that the workshops focus on developing writing skills and involve engagement and discussion.
More specifically, we develop workshops to follow the steps of scaffolding as described by
Nordlofs 2014 article Vygotsky, Scaffolding, and the Role of Theory in Writing Center Work.
In theory, workshops, just as in tutoring sessions, should start by establishing goals and investing
all parties in those goals. Then throughout the interaction, there should be a constant flow of
dialogue and interaction accompanied by continued diagnosis of the learners abilities to
understand and demonstrate the new skill. The interaction should end with the facilitator(s)
fading their support of the learner(s) so that the learner(s) can independently demonstrate use of
the new skill.
These steps are largely untested in individual tutoring sessions. There has been some research
into the scaffolding process in tutoring sessions, but there are no published studies that look at
these specific four steps of scaffolding and relate them to individual tutoring sessions. Writing
center tutors and administrators have limited training and resources available to pursue research
in general, so few studies have been published on education theories and how they relate to
writing tutor sessions.
There has also been very little research on group writing center workshops. Because so little
research is done in the writing center context, most of the published studies are on understanding
basic components of individual tutoring appointments. Typically, writing centers focus on one-
to-one support. When writing centers offer workshops, they struggle with getting students to
attend them. Since it is rare that a writing center is able to support research, and even rarer that
one of those writing centers also has significant attendance at multiple workshops in a single
semester, there have been very few articles published about writing center workshops and none
with an actual research study.
The purpose of this study is to look into determining what elements of writing workshops can be
categorized into the steps of this theoretical framework and which do not fit these steps. This will
then provide writing centers a model process of how to conduct writing center workshops that
they can duplicate or adapt to their campuses.
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Agendas of all workshops conducted during the fall 2017 semester will be first analyzed
to see how they plan to follow steps of scaffolding. Agendas are made by either tutors or
the PI with the idea of following the steps of scaffolding in mind, especially including
opportunity for discussion and application. These agendas will be analyzed as their own
entity, and this step will not involve human subjects.
A sample of workshops will be audio recorded, and researchers will transcribe these
workshops for analysis, erasing any evidence of who speaks in them, only noting whether
it was a presenter or an attendee. Researchers will be transcribing utterances from both
workshop presenters and attendees because it is crucial to look at these interactions to
determine if scaffolding is truly occurring. Transcripts of workshops will be codified to
determine which aspects fit the steps of scaffolding and which aspects do not.
All willing participants in every fall 2017 workshop will complete surveys to respond to
what methods they found the most effective in their learning process and to determine if
they are able to apply the skills covered during the workshop. These surveys will have
three multiple choice questions, one short response, a question to test their knowledge
acquisition, and an option to leave additional comments. These surveys will enhance the
learning process of participants, and if a student chooses not to participate, they may take
a copy of the survey with them instead so they do not miss out on the learning aspect.
II. DESCRIPTION OF PARTICIPANT POPULATION(S)
1. Who are the participant groups, and how are they recruited?
There are two main groups of participants: the workshop presenters and the workshop
attendees.
Workshop presenters are either the PI or student-employed writing tutors. Writing tutors
present these workshops as a part of their typical job duties. Before the start of the
semester, tutors will be informed of the study in an email, attached as Appendix E. They
will then have the chance to volunteer to participate at a meeting early in the semester, in
which the PI will again describe the study using the script attached in Appendix D. Tutors
will not receive any additional compensation for doing workshops whether they are part
of the study or not, the PI will just choose to audio-record workshops in which tutors
have volunteered to participate in the study. This group will fill-out the consent form
attached as Appendix A- Workshop Presenters.
The other group are the workshop attendees. These are UMHB students who attend
workshops to improve their writing skills, either by their own choice or as part of a
requirement for a class.
At all workshops during the fall 2017 semester, workshop attendees will be invited to
participate in a survey using the script in Appendix E. All attendees will be given a copy
of the survey, and if they chose to participate in the study, they will then fill out a consent
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form and return a completed survey to the workshop presenters. This group will fill-out
the consent form attached as Appendix A-Workshop Participants Survey Only.
The PI will choose workshops as potentials for audio-recording that are led by tutors who
volunteer to participate in the study and represent a variety of workshop topics covered
over the semester. At least one backup of each workshop will also be chosen in case not
all participants in the first workshop agree to being recorded. At these chosen workshops,
attendees will be informed of the study following the script in Appendix E by the PI or a
research assistant. After answering any questions, the PI or research assistant will leave
the room. The workshop presenters will then pass-out slips asking if all attendees are
willing to attend (Appendix F). They will then have everyone place the slips face down in
the center of the table and once everyone is finished, the workshop presenters will check
to see if all agree to being recorded. If they do, the workshop presenters will gather
official consent forms and then start the audio-recording and proceed as normal, also
asking attendees to participate in the survey at the end. If all attendees do not agree, they
will not record the workshop and will otherwise proceed with the workshop as normal,
asking attendees to participate in the survey at the end of the workshop. This group will
fill-out the consent form attached as Appendix A-Workshop Participants Recording and
Survey.
2. What is the approximate number of participants in each group?

Workshops typically have between 3-14 participants and one or two tutors lead the
workshops. There will be approximately 20 writing tutors in the fall 2017 semester, and
each of them may choose to participate in the study. Writing center attendance and
workshop requests are growing, so only approximates of student attendance can be made.
There were 139 workshop attendees in the fall 2016 semester and 348 workshop
attendees in the spring 2017 semester. We anticipate continued growth in the fall, and our
highest estimate is that 500 students will attend workshops and will be asked to fill out a
survey at the end of their experience. To get a sample size with a confidence level of 95%
and confidence interval of 10, we will plan to audio record enough workshops to record
participation by at least 81 students, which will be anywhere between 8-16 workshops. If
our estimate of 500 is high, we will still record enough workshops to have at least 81
participants, and will then have a better confidence interval.
3. If advertising for participants, include a copy of the proposed advertisement.

Advertisements include any materials used to recruit participants (e.g., flyers, emails,
etc.).
Email to recruit tutors as workshop presenters willing to be recorded is attached as
Appendix E.
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4. What are the criteria for selection and/or exclusion of participants (scientific justification
for exclusion of participants must be included)?
Participants must be consenting adults who are attending the writing center for a
workshop and tutors, who are also adults, who consent to have their workshop recorded.
Occasionally, students are required to participate I workshops who are not yet 18 years
old.
5. If special populations (children, prisoners, pregnant women, fetuses, cognitively impaired

or mentally disabilities, economically or educationally disadvantaged, or other vulnerable
populations) are being used, please justify.
No special populations are being used.
III. ACTIVITIES INVOLVING HUMAN PARTICIPANTS
1. Describe the activities involving each participant group. Include the expected amount of
time participants will be involved in each activity and where the activity will be
conducted.
Tutors already have to lead workshops, so the only additional time commitment will be
minimal.
In workshops with surveys, they will describe the study following the script in Appendix
D. They will gather consent forms and completed surveys from willing participants. They
will sign all consent forms as the person who gathered consent. They will fill out the
short description of workshop slip attached as Appendix X. They will then place all of
this in a sealed envelope. If the PI is in her office, they will hand it over to her and she
will immediately place in in a locked filing cabinet. If the PI is not in her office, the
workshop presenters will slide the envelope under her locked office door.
In workshops that are audio-recorded, the PI or a research assistant will present

information about the study, not the workshop presenters. After they leave, the workshop
presenters will gather the slips attached as Appendix X. If all agree to being recorded,
they will then gather consent forms and start the audio recording device. If they do not,
they will not audio record the workshop and proceed with the steps for a workshop that is
only gathering surveys. After the workshop attendees all leave, the workshop presenters
will stop the recording and shut down the iPad, locking the screen, and return it to the
locked storage container.
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Students are told to expect workshops to take up to an hour, and they often take less than
this time, so even if asking for consent takes a few minutes, it should not take longer than
the time they expected for the workshop.
For a workshop that will only ask for students to fill-out exit surveys, students will be
informed of the study by the tutors leading workshop in the script attached as Appendix
D. All students will be given a survey at the end of the workshop, as we suspect the
survey itself will enhance their learning experience. If they are willing to give those
surveys back to us at the end they will also sign the attached Survey Consent Form in
Appendix A and give the survey back to a tutor. An example of this survey is attached as
Appendix C.
For a workshop that will be audio-recorded, the PI or a research assistant will read the
script attached as Appendix D. Attendees will fill-out anonymous slips attached as
Appendix F. If not all participants agree, tutors will not audio record the workshop, but
will otherwise proceed as normal and hand-out surveys at the end. If all participants agree
to being recorded, tutors will then set the audio device to record the workshop, and
otherwise proceed as normal, again administering surveys at the end. They will end the
recording after all student participants have left the room. Workshop attendees will be
expected to engage in the workshop as normal, answering questions and asking questions
of their own throughout the workshop.
All participation should last an hour or less, which is the typical time allotted for writing
center workshops. Audio-recorded workshops could last about five minutes longer to
gather consent at the beginning of the workshop.
2. How will the data be collected (check):
Questionnaires? (Submit a copy as an appendix file)

Interviews? (Submit sample of questions as an appendix file)
Observations? (Briefly describe)
Standardized tests? (List names)
Other (Describe)
Workshops will be audio-recorded and later transcribed.
IV. DATA
1. How will the data be recorded (notes, tapes, audio or video computer files, completed
questionnaires or tests, etc.)?
Audio computer files and paper surveys
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2. What are the data analysis plan and statistical procedures that will be incorporated in this
study?
Researchers will transcribe and then codify recordings of the workshops. Researchers
will be looking for the four steps of scaffolding, as noted by John Nordlof, and then
mark other categories. Each researcher will determine their own categories for these
other interactions and then all researchers will compare their findings and categories
after they have finished coding.
Survey results will be codified for short response answers and quantified for likert scale
questions.
3. Who will have access to the gathered data and how will confidentiality be maintained
during the study, after the study, and in reporting of the results?
Audio recordings will occur through an app on a university iPad that is password
protected and locked when not in use. They will be saved with the name
WorkshopTitle_#ofPresenters_#ofAttendees.mp4 These audio files will then be
transferred to password protected flash drives using the PIs office computer. Temporary
files will have to be stored on the PIs computer while transferring data, but these will be
immediately deleted after transfer is complete. These flash drives will be locked in a
filing cabinet in the PIs office when not in use. The PI and research assistants will then
use these flash drives to listen to the audio files and to save the transcriptions of these
audio files. Transcripts will be saved on the same password protected flash drive with
the name WorkshopTitle_#ofPresenters_#ofAttendees.docx and they will never be
saved onto a personal computer. When the PI or a research assistant wishes to transcribe
an audio file, they will check out the flash drive using the form attached as Appendix H.
Surveys and consent forms will be collected by workshop presenters. They will fill-out
an identification slip attached as Appendix G that will be taped to the front of the
envelope and place all surveys in this envelope. Consent forms will go in a blank sealed
envelope. They will then seal both envelopes and either immediately give it to the PI or
slip it under her locked office door if she is out. They will then be kept in a locked filing
cabinet in the PIs office whenever not in use. Consent forms will be kept in a separate
file, not organized by workshop, separate from the surveys. The PI will also store the
consent forms for the workshop presenters in this same location early in the semester. If
the PI or a research assistant needs to analyze the survey results from a workshop, they
will check it out using the form attached as Appendix H.
The PI and listed research assistants will be the only ones with access to data.
Results will be reported with pseudonyms or anonymously in quantified data tables.
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4. What are the plans for the data after completion of this study (i.e., publication,
presentation)?
Data will be shared in a conference presentation and possibly in publications.
Aggregate survey data will be used to discuss workshops as an option with UMHB
faculty. Data will not be shared with specific professors about the results of the specific
workshops that their students attended, but as a broad picture of how workshops went
over the entire semester. Aggregate data and observed patterns will also be used in
training tutors to better facilitate future workshops.
When data is shared, it will either be in general patterns or pseudonyms will replace
actual participants names.
5. How, where, and when will data be maintained or destroyed (standard policy is 3 years
following the completion of the study)?
Data will be maintained for the typical three years before destroyed.
V. BENEFITS, RISKS, and COSTS
1. What are the potential benefits to humanity?

Writing center workshops currently have no published research of effective practices. I
described this in detail in section I, but again, writing center research is not a common
practice, and writing center workshops rarely have consistent enough attendance to
specifically study workshops, despite being a common practice of many writing centers.
This study will begin to gather the data necessary to establish effective methods for
group writing center workshops.
2. What are the potential direct benefits to the participants (some studies do not have direct
benefits)?
Because of this study, these workshops be under increased scrutiny and workshop
presenters will most likely be working to the best of their abilities because they know
they are being surveyed for effective practices at the end, and possibly recorded.
3. What compensation, if any, will be offered to the participant? How will payment be
scheduled throughout the study?
No compensation
4. What risks (including loss of anonymity and confidentiality) to the participant are most
likely to be encountered, and at what level? Every research study has risks.
Because workshops are recorded, loss of anonymity and confidentiality will be the
greatest risk.
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Also, because workshop participation is mandatory for both tutors leading them and
students attending them, there is a possibility participants will feel coerced into
participation. However, using the method described above, we hope to avoid this risk.
5. What safeguard(s) will be used to eliminate or minimize these risks? Each risk
mentioned in question #4 should be addressed here. If participants experience adverse
reactions (i.e., physical, emotional, etc.), how will they be managed and reported?
Audio files will be kept secure and accessed only by research team. They will be kept on
a university iPad that is password protected and locked when not in use. They will then
be stored on password protected flash drives, which will also store the transcriptions of
these files. Surveys and consent forms will be collected by workshop presenters and then
placed in sealed envelopes and taken to the PI. Flash drives, surveys, and consent forms
will be kept in locked in a filing cabinet in the PIs office, which is locked when she is
not in the building, or checked out by the PI or research assistants using the form
attached as Appendix H. This process is also described in question IV-3.
The scripts included in Appendix D should alleviate the risk of participants feeling
coerced. The greatest risk of coercion is with students willingness to have the workshop
recorded, and so we have them anonymously mark on slips of paper whether they are
willing to be recorded or not before collecting individual consent forms.
6. What are the costs, if any, to participate (e.g., monetary, time, etc.)?
No cost, participants already are attending the workshop for up to an hour, so no
additional time is required.
The survey should take no longer than five minutes, and it will be part of the learning
experience whether they choose to turn it back in for the study or not.
Workshops that are chosen as possible ones to audio-record may take an additional five
minutes to gather consent at the beginning of the workshop.
VI. OTHER COMPLIANCE ISSUES
1. If this project may be subject to other regulations, such as state or local laws protecting
special populations or the use of a new drug or device, please identify and discuss.
VII. INFORMED CONSENT
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See The Informed Consent Checklist Document for a checklist of basic and optional
elements of a consent form.
1. How will the study be explained to the participants and by whom?

The PI will explain the study to all writing tutors at a group meeting at the beginning of
the semester.
The workshop presenter, which will be either the PI, one of the research assistants, or a
tutor, will orally inform the workshop participants of the survey following the script in
Appendix D.
For potential recorded workshops, the PI or a research assistant will explain the study
and answer any questions at the beginning of the workshop following the script in
Appendix D. They will then leave the room before workshop presenters follow the
procedure to gain consent.
2. Has the informed consent/assent form(s) for the study been attached as an appendix
below? (if applicable)
Yes, Appendix A. There are separate forms for workshop presenters, workshop
attendees who are just completing a survey, and workshop attendees who are completing
a survey and are being recorded.
3. Are you requesting a waiver or alteration of the informed consent process, such as no
requirement of a signature or implied consent? If so, indicate your rationale for any
special conditions relating to informed consent.
No
4. If informed consent is not necessary, please provide brief explanation of why it is not
required for the study.
VIII. DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS
1. Attach Research Proposal Approval Form documenting committee approval to move

forward with your doctoral dissertation study.
CERTIFICATION:
In submitting this proposed project and signing below, I certify that I have read and understand
the University of Mary Hardin-Baylors policies and procedures regarding human research
studies and the universities Institutional Review Boards procedures regarding this matter. I also
certify that I have completed the training course regarding the protection of human research
participants. Attach the certificate showing completion of training course through either the NIH
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(http://phrp.nihtraining.com/users/login.php) or the CITI

(https://www.citiprogram.org/rcrpage.asp?language=english&affiliation=100).
INSERT ALL INVESTIGATORS PROOF OF IRB TRAINING HERE
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Appendix A- Consent Forms

CONSENT FORM FOR RESEARCH PARTICIPATION
Workshop Presenters
Study Title: Examining Writing Center Workshops
Principal Investigator: Emily Bouza
I am the assistant director of the University Writing Center the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. I am
inviting you to participate in a research study about writing center workshops. This form has important
information about the reason for doing this study, what we will ask you to do if you decide to be in this
study, and the way we would like to use information about you if you choose to be in the study.
Why are you doing this study?
You are being asked to participate in a research study about writing center workshops.
The purpose of the study is to analyze workshop practices to compare them to current pedagogy and
theory of individual tutoring sessions. We are looking to see how and if the steps of scaffolding are
carried out during workshops. The goal of scaffolding is to structure new information to help learners to
be able to independently utilize the new skill. We are looking to see if and how this occurs.
What will I do if I choose to be in this study?
For workshops designated as samples for recording, you will be asked to:
Gather consent from workshop attendees at the beginning of the workshop

Audio record the workshop so that researchers can codify the workshop interactions
Study time: Study participation will take only the duration of a typical workshop, which is an hour or
less.
Study location: All study procedures will take place at the Writing Center on the second floor of Mabee
Student Success Center.
I would like to audio-record workshops to be able to codify the interactions during the workshop. I will
keep these files in secure files on the campus server and they will only be observed by the principal
investigator and two research assistants. Recording of workshops is necessary for participation in the
research project.
I may quote your remarks in presentations or articles resulting from this work. A pseudonym will be
used to protect your identity, unless you specifically request that you be identified by your true name.
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What are the possible risks or discomforts?
We understand that you may not be comfortable with being recorded. The recording devices will be as
minimally invasive as possible, but their presence may interrupt your comfort in the learning
environment.
You may feel coerced to participate in this study. Please know that your participation is entirely
voluntary and you may withdraw your consent at any time.
As with all research, there is a chance that confidentiality of the information we collect from you could
be breached we will take steps to minimize this risk, as discussed in more detail below in this form.
What are the possible benefits for me or others?
You are not likely to have any direct benefit from being in this research study. This study is designed to
learn more about writing center workshops.
Taking part in this research study may not benefit you personally, but we may learn new things that will
help others. We hope that we will learn better practices for conducting writing center workshops in the
future.
How will you protect the information you collect about me, and how will that information be shared?
Results of this study may be used in publications and presentations. If results of this study are published
or presented, individual names and other personally identifiable information will not be used.
To minimize the risks to confidentiality, we will keep all recordings in secure files on the campus server.
What are my rights as a research participant?
Participation in this study is voluntary. If at any time and for any reason, you would prefer not to
participate in this study, we will stop recording the workshop at your request. You may withdraw from
this study at any time, and you will not be penalized in any way for deciding to stop participation.
If you decide to withdraw from this study, the researchers will ask you if the information already
collected from you can be used.
Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns about this research study?
If you have questions, you are free to ask them now. If you have questions later, you may contact the
researchers at
Emily Bouza, Principal Investigator

(254)295-5456
Page 21 of 38
ebouza@umhb.edu
If you have any questions about your rights as a participant in this research, you can contact the
following office at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor:
Institutional Review Board

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
900 College St
Belton, TX 76513
Chair: Dr Rochelle Cade
Phone: (254) 295-4612
Email: rcade@umhb.edu
Consent
I have read this form and the research study has been explained to me. I have been given the
opportunity to ask questions and my questions have been answered. If I have additional questions, I
have been told whom to contact. I agree to participate in the research study described above and will
receive a copy of this consent form upon request.
Initial the following to indicate your consent:
______ (initial) I agree to allow the researchers to record my participation in the workshop.
______ (initial) I am at least 18 years of age.
______________________________________________________
Participants Name (printed)
______________________________________________________ ________________
Participants Signature Date
Consent was gathered and witnessed by:
______________________________________________________ ________________
Principal Investigators Signature Date
Page 22 of 38

Workshop Participants- Survey Only
For workshops designated as samples for recording, you will be asked to:
Return the completed survey about your workshop experience and your ability to apply the
content of this workshop to the workshop presenters for use in a research study.
Study time: The survey should take less than five minutes to complete.
Page 23 of 38
future.
To minimize the risks to confidentiality, all surveys will be collected and stored in a locked filing cabinet.
Participation in this study is voluntary. You do not have to answer any question you do not want to
answer. You may withdraw from this study at any time, and you will not be penalized in any way for
deciding to stop participation. Your participation and the results from the survey will not in any way
reflect your
researchers at

(254)295-5456
ebouza@umhb.edu

900 College St
Belton, TX 76513
Phone: (254) 295-4612
Page 24 of 38
Consent
receive a copy of this consent form.
______ (initial) I agree to participate in the survey and to allow researchers to use the results of this
survey.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________ ________________
______________________________________________________ ________________
Workshop Presenters Signature Date
Page 25 of 38

Workshop Participants Recording and Survey
For your participation in this study, you will be asked to:
Consent to having your participation in the workshop audio-recorded so that researchers can
codify the workshop interactions
Return a completed survey about your workshop experience and your ability to apply the
content of this workshop to the workshop presenters for use in a research study.
Study time: Study participation will take only the duration of a typical workshop, which is an hour or
less. It might take up to five minutes at the beginning of the workshop to gain group consent.
I would like to audio-record workshops to be able to codify the interactions during the workshop. I will
keep these files in secure files on the campus server and they will only be observed by the principal
investigator and two research assistants. Recording of workshops is necessary for participation in the
research project.
Page 26 of 38
We understand that you may not be comfortable with being recorded. The recording devices will be as
minimally invasive as possible, but their presence may interrupt your comfort in the learning
environment.
future.
To minimize the risks to confidentiality, we will keep all recordings in secure files on the campus server.
Participation in this study is voluntary. If at any time and for any reason, you would prefer not to
participate in this study, we will stop recording the workshop at your request. You may withdraw from
this study at any time, and you will not be penalized in any way for deciding to stop participation.
researchers at

(254)295-5456
ebouza@umhb.edu
Page 27 of 38

900 College St
Belton, TX 76513
Phone: (254) 295-4612
Consent
receive a copy of this consent form upon request.
______ (initial) I agree to allow the researchers to record my participation in the workshop.
______ (initial) I agree to participate in the survey and to allow researchers to use the results of this
survey.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________ ________________
______________________________________________________ ________________
Workshop Presenters Signature Date
Page 28 of 38
Appendix B- Informed Consent Checklist

(Refer to DHS HHS OHRP 45 CFR 46 46.116 for details)
Proposal Title: Examining Writing Center Workshops
Indicate
Basic Elements of Informed Consent
Check Yes, No, or N/A to indicate if the element is present. Provide Yes No N/A
comments, as needed, at the bottom of the checklist.
1. A statement that the study involves research.
2. An explanation of the purposes of the research.
3. The expected duration of the individuals participation.
4. The approximate number of study participants.
5. A description of the procedures to be followed.
6. Identification of any procedures which are experimental.

7. A description of any reasonably foreseeable risks or discomforts to
the participant.
8. A description of any benefits to the participant or to others which may
reasonably be expected from the research.
9. A disclosure of appropriate alternative procedures or courses of
treatment, if any, that might be advantageous to the participant.
10. A statement describing the extent, if any, to which confidentiality of
records identifying the participant will be maintained.
11. For research involving more than minimal risk, an explanation as to
whether any compensation, and an explanation as to whether any
medical treatments are available, if injury occurs and, if so, what they
consist of, or where further information may be obtained.
12. A statement that participation is voluntary, refusal to participate will
involve no penalty or loss of benefits to which the individual is
otherwise entitled, and the individual may discontinue participation at
any time without penalty or loss of benefits, to which he/she is
otherwise entitled.
13. An explanation of whom to contact for answers to pertinent questions
about the research and participants rights (i.e., the Principal
investigator), whom to contact in the event of a research-related
Page 29 of 38
Indicate
Basic Elements of Informed Consent
Check Yes, No, or N/A to indicate if the element is present. Provide Yes No N/A
comments, as needed, at the bottom of the checklist.
injury to the participant, and to contact the IRB for questions related
to their rights as a participant.
Indicate
Additional Elements, as appropriate Yes No N/A
14. A statement that the intervention may involve risks to the individual
(or to the embryo or fetus, if the individual is or may become
pregnant), which are currently unforeseeable.
15. Anticipated circumstances under which the individuals participation
may be terminated by the investigator without regard to the subject's
consent.
16. Any additional costs to the individual that may result from
participation in the research.
17. The consequences of an individuals decision to withdraw from the
research and procedures for orderly termination of participation by
the individual.
18. A statement that significant new findings developed during the course
of the research, which may relate to the individuals willingness to
continue participation, will be provided to the individual.
Comments: (Provide the item # for each comment.)
Page 30 of 38
Appendix C- Example Survey

Examining Writing Center Workshops Survey Example
Please answer each question to the best of your knowledge. Do not include any identifying remarks such
as your name or the name of the workshop presenters.
1- Why did you come to this workshop today?

I was required to come to this specific writing center workshop
I was required to come to any writing center workshop
I was required to come to the writing center for either a workshop or tutoring
I was not required to come
2- What did you gain from the workshop today? (circle all that apply)
I learned a new skill I improved my ability to write a I discussed writing in a new way
current paper
3- How would you describe the workshop today?

Yes No
Adapted to our particular
group
Interactive
Discussion-based
Practical (taught usable
skills)
4- What suggestions do you have for future workshops?
5- Application Example question for APA workshop

Given that you are quoting Eli Castles article published in 2014, revise the following sentence to give a
proper APA- style in-text citation to this source.
The article states that, When students are given positive

reinforcement, they do better on assessments.
6- Other comments? (optional)
*Note: Question 5 will be revised for each workshop to test knowledge of that
particular workshop.
Page 31 of 38
Appendix D- Scripts to Gather Participants

Script for Workshop Presenter Participation
You should have all received an email earlier about a research project that I am working
on this semester. I will cover that information again now and answer any questions that
you might have. I am conducting a research project this semester into our writing center
workshops. This project will involve analyzing workshop agendas, recording a sample of
workshops, and collecting short survey responses from workshop attendees at the end of
all workshops this semester. Whenever you lead a workshop this semester, you will ask if
students would be willing to fill out a short survey at the end. If they do not consent, they
will still be given a copy of the survey, but they can take it with them instead.
I am looking for as many tutors as I can that are willing to have a workshop that you lead
audio recorded. The study is looking into what actually happens in workshops, not
evaluating what occurs during them, so it will have no reflection on any evaluation of
your work in any way. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate. If you would
be willing to participate, it would mean that I might pick a workshop that you lead this
semester to audio-record as a sample of our workshops. You would then have to read a
script to ask if students are also willing to be recorded, and then if all agree, start the
recording at the beginning of the workshop and end the recording at the end of the
workshop. If you are willing to participate, please sign and hand back to me one of the
consent forms being passed out around now.
Script for Workshop Attendees for Survey Participation
This semester we are studying our workshops to find the most effective way we can
assist students in learning and applying writing skills. During the workshop, we invite
you to think about what teaching methods are helpful to you. At the end of the workshop,
we will hand out a quick, five question survey that will ask you to comment on the
workshop teaching methods and to apply something that you learned during the
workshop. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate. At this point you can
choose to sign a consent form and give us your completed, anonymous survey, or you can
choose to just answer the application of knowledge question and take the survey with
you.
Script Addition for Workshop Attendees for Potential Recorded Workshops

(This will be read in addition to the above script)
In addition, we are audio-recording a sample of workshops to look further into what

occurs during workshops, and this workshop has randomly been chosen as one of those
Page 32 of 38
workshops. Researchers plan to listen to these recordings to transcribe the workshops, or

type out exactly what is said during the workshops. They are then analyzing these
transcripts and there is a possibility that they will quote exact words in publications or
presentations. However, the only people who will hear your voice are the researchers
themselves, and they will give anonymous designations to all speakers and they will take
out any identifying comments during transcription. We are now passing out slips of paper
to gather anonymously if you are willing to have this workshop audio-recorded. If any of
you check no, we will not record this workshop and will instead ask another group later
this semester, If all of you are willing to be recorded, we will then pass out official
consent forms that you must sign before we start recording the rest of this workshop.
Page 33 of 38
Appendix E- Email to Workshop Presenters

Hello Tutors,
I am conducting a research project this semester into our writing center workshops.
In case you are new, you might not remember from our interview, but as a writing tutor you will
occasionally lead group workshops in addition to individual tutoring sessions. You will be paired
with another tutor to do these and we will cover this procedure in a lot more detail before you are
asked to help with a workshop.
Our writing center is rare in the way that we offer so many well attended workshops, and this
semester I am going to be researching our workshops to look into how to better conduct these in
the future and also better describe what we are already doing to other writing professionals.
This project will involve analyzing workshop agendas, recording a sample of workshops, and
collecting short survey responses from workshop attendees at the end of all workshops this
semester. Whenever you lead a workshop this semester, you will ask if students would be willing
to fill out a short survey at the end. If they do not consent, they will still be given a copy of the
survey, but they can take it with them instead.
I am also looking for as many tutors as I can that are willing to have a workshop that you lead
audio recorded. The study is looking into what actually happens in workshops, not evaluating
what occurs during them, so it will have no reflection on any evaluation of your work in any
way. If you would be willing to participate, it would mean that I might pick a workshop that you
lead this semester to audio-record as a sample of our workshops. After someone involved in the
research explains the study, you would ask if students are also willing to be recorded, and then if
they all agree, start the recording at the beginning of the workshop and end the recording at the
end of the workshop.
If you have any questions about this research study, you may email me now. I will also be
reiterating this information and taking questions at our first full group staff meeting of the
semester and you can ask questions at that time as well. If you are willing to participate, you may
then sign a consent form. You must be at least 18 years of age in order to participate.
Thank you for reading about this study,
Emily
Page 34 of 38
Emily Bouza
Assistant Director
University Writing Center
900 College Street, UMHB Box 8443
Belton, TX 76513
254-295-5456
Page 35 of 38
Appendix F- Anonymous Recording Consent Slips

Note- this will be cut apart and given out individually.
Are you at least 18 years of age and are willing to have this workshop recorded and proceed with signing
the IRB consent form?
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Page 36 of 38
Appendix G- Workshop Identification

Note: these will be cut apart and one will go with each envelope of surveys.
Workshop Title: Workshop Title:
Total Number of Workshop Presenters: Total Number of Workshop Presenters:
Total Number of Workshop Attendees: Total Number of Workshop Attendees:
Workshop Title: Workshop Title:
Total Number of Workshop Presenters: Total Number of Workshop Presenters:
Total Number of Workshop Attendees: Total Number of Workshop Attendees:
Page 37 of 38
Appendix H- Checkout Form for Flash Drives

Name Which flash drive and/or Current Date When do you Actual date
survey envelope are you plan to return the returned
taking? flash drive?
Page 38 of 38

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Applicant Name: Emily Bouza

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

Application Submission Procedures:

UMHB IRB Application Cover Sheet

Faculty Supervisor (if PI is a student):

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

PART B: LEVEL OF RISK/TYPE OF REVIEW REQUESTED

PART E: FACUTLY SUPERVISOR APPROVAL OF REVIEW

Type Name Here Type Date Here

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

CERTIFICATION OF INVESTIGATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

By submitting an IRB application electronically I agree/certify that:

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

UMHB Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Exemptions to IRB Review:

Is this research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings,

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

I. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

II. DESCRIPTION OF PARTICIPANT POPULATION(S)

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

2. What is the approximate number of participants in each group?

3. If advertising for participants, include a copy of the proposed advertisement.

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

5. If special populations (children, prisoners, pregnant women, fetuses, cognitively impaired

III. ACTIVITIES INVOLVING HUMAN PARTICIPANTS

In workshops that are audio-recorded, the PI or a research assistant will present

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

2. How will the data be collected (check):

Questionnaires? (Submit a copy as an appendix file)

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

V. BENEFITS, RISKS, and COSTS

1. What are the potential benefits to humanity?

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

VI. OTHER COMPLIANCE ISSUES

VII. INFORMED CONSENT

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

1. How will the study be explained to the participants and by whom?

VIII. DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS

1. Attach Research Proposal Approval Form documenting committee approval to move

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

(http://phrp.nihtraining.com/users/login.php) or the CITI

INSERT ALL INVESTIGATORS PROOF OF IRB TRAINING HERE

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

Appendix A- Consent Forms

Study Title: Examining Writing Center Workshops

Principal Investigator: Emily Bouza

Why are you doing this study?

What will I do if I choose to be in this study?

Gather consent from workshop attendees at the beginning of the workshop

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

What are the possible risks or discomforts?

What are the possible benefits for me or others?

What are my rights as a research participant?

Emily Bouza, Principal Investigator

Title of Proposed Study: Examining Writing Center Workshops

Institutional Review Board