Ethics Information
AGRADES is an ongoing research and development project. Data from students and graduates across Australia flow into the AGRADES database. This constant flow of new data ensures AGRADES' measurement system is contemporary and relevant. Therefore, if you choose to use AGRADES then you do so on the basis that you are participating in an ongoing research and development project.
Below, you will find the detailed information about AGRADES. This information is about how your data is collected and stored according to ethical standards.
AGRADES takes no more than 10 minutes of your time. You will be asked to respond to statements using a rating scale, ranging from disagree to agree. Examples of the statements include: I have participated in training or schooling that will help me reach my career goals; I am optimistic about my future career opportunities I take a positive attitude towards my work.
Please note, that if you cannot withdraw your data the AGRADES database after you have submitted your responses. Why? AGRADES is entirely anonymous (i.e., your identifiable personal details are not collected) and therefore your data cannot be identified by the researchers. Your decision whether you take part, do not take part, or to take part and then withdraw, will in no way impact your current or future relationship with the University of Southern Queensland.
Expected Benefits
The long-term beneficiaries of this project will be students because the tool may be used by universities to develop their students’ career management skills. For you, as a participant in the present data collection, there are no immediate benefits apart from reflecting on your knowledge and skills while completing the questionnaires within the survey.
Risks
There are no anticipated risks beyond normal day-to-day living associated with your participation in this project. We appreciate the time you are prepared to give to the project. We have minimized any inconvenience by being as efficient as possible in the designing of the survey.
Privacy and Confidentiality
All your responses will be treated confidentially unless required by law. The names of individual persons are not required in any of the responses. Any data collected as a part of this project will be stored securely as per University of Southern Queensland’s Research Data Management policy. The project team will have direct access to the data. The dataset will be deleted from the USQ cloud storage facility after the period stipulated by the university/government regulations at that time in the future. The dataset will be made available to other researchers after the project is completed and after all relevant reporting and journal articles have been published. Access to the dataset will be by request and permission granted by the principal investigator or a member of the research team who is delegated by the principal investigator to manage such requests.
Consent to Participate
Entering into AGRADES and continuing through the questionnaires is taken as your consent to participate in this project; that you have read and understood the information document regarding this project; that you understand that if you have any additional questions you can contact the research team; and understand that you are free to withdraw at any time, without comment or penalty.
Concerns or Complaints Regarding the Conduct of the Project
If you have any concerns or complaints about the ethical conduct of the project you may contact the University of Southern Queensland Ethics Coordinator on (07) 4631 2690 or email ethics@usq.edu.au. The Ethics Coordinator is not connected with the research project and can facilitate a resolution to your concern in an unbiased manner. Thank you for taking the time to help with this research project. Please keep this sheet for your information. If you have any questions about the study please contact Peter McIlveen +61 7 4631 2375 or email peter.mcIlveen@usq.edu.au.
