faculty/staff - The College at Brockport

EXAMPLE
ESUNY BROCKPORT INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD
Human Participant Research Review Form
Proposal #
(# will be inserted by IRB)
Please follow these steps to submit your application.
1) Use these two pages as the first pages of your application.
2) If a Category 1 review send just the original, if a Category 2 send the original and one
copy, if a Category 3 review send the original and eight copies (if faculty
member/graduate student); only three copies and an original if an undergraduate student.
3) Deliver or mail to IRB Administrator, Grants Development Office, 6th Floor Allen,
SUNY Brockport, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, N.Y. 14420. (585) 395-2779,
irboffice@brockport.edu; fax number is (585) 395-2006.
Please type or neatly print.
1. Principal Investigator(s) name(s) __Priyamvadha Rangan__
Department __School of Business and Economics__
Phone Number __785-727-9847__
(where you can be reached during the day - so we can call with questions)
E-mail address: __prangan@brockport.edu__
Local mailing address: __Please use Campus mail (117D Hartwell)__
2. Second Investigator(s) name(s) __Janice Francis Super__
Department __Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business, Murray State University__
Phone Number __270-809-6213__
(where you can be reached during the day - so we can call with questions)
E-mail address: __jsuper@murraystate.edu__
Local mailing address: __413A Business Building, Murray State University, 102 Curris
Center, Murray, KY 42071.
2. Project Title: “Impact of Compensation Perception on Firm Evaluation”
3. College Status (for each investigator):
Faculty/Staff __Priyamvadha Rangan, Janice Francis Super__
Undergraduate Student __N/A__
Graduate Student __N/A__
EXAMPLE
4. If the principal investigator is a student, list name, department, and local
telephone number of faculty supervisor. Please note that the Faculty/Staff
Supervisor must indicate knowledge and approval of this proposal by signing this
form.
Faculty /Staff Supervisor's name: __N/A__
Department and phone number: __N/A__
5. Check appropriate category of research project (complete after reviewing
guidelines):
Category 1 (Exempt Review) ____; Category 2 (Expedited Review) __X__
Category 3 (Full Review) ______
6. The Principal Investigator must sign this form. (If the P.I. is a student, their
faculty/staff supervisor must also sign this form).
I certify that: 1) the information provided for this project is accurate; 2) no other
procedures will be used in this project; 3) any modifications in this project will be
submitted for IRB approval prior to use; 4) I have successfully completed the required
online IRB training program.
_________________________________________________11/7/14_____
A. Signature of Principal Investigator
Date
_________________________________________________11/7/14_____
A. Signature of Second Investigator
Date
B. Faculty/Staff Supervisor: 1) I certify that this project is under my direct
supervision and that I am responsible for insuring that all provisions of approval are
complied with by the principal investigator. 2) I have successfully completed the required
online IRB training program. 3) My signature indicates I have reviewed this proposal and
agree it is in final form and ready to be submitted to the IRB.
__N/A__
Signature of Faculty/Staff Supervisor
8/06
Date
EXAMPLE
1) Project description:
This research project is an investigation into the moderating effect of salesperson payment
structure on the evaluation of the firm, and the willingness to engage in a future relationship with
the firm. Customer service is an integral part of today’s society. Every time we drive through
McDonalds, place an order for clothing, inquire about an account, or sit down in a restaurant to
enjoy dinner, we interact with someone providing a service.
Organizations spend much time and effort to structure the compensation packages of their
employees. Some organizations rely heavily on a reward structure known as pay-forperformance (i.e., on a commission basis), while others lean more heavily on straight hourly or
salary-based compensation packages (Gerhart & Rynes, 2003). The differences in motivational
effects can be dramatic. Paying people based on their performance, whether in part or whole (i.e.,
by commission), can incentivize them to engage in competitive, self-promoting behaviors, while
offering a similar amount in the form of a salary or hourly fee can often promote more of an
egalitarian and cooperative tone within the organization (Guthrie, 2007).
Since people intuitively react to their own payment structures, it seems natural to assume that
these reactions might be projected onto others. We suggest that a consumer’s perception of a
service provider’s compensation will influence the service provider’s evaluation. Specifically,
consumers might perceive that the service provider is “hard selling” in his/her persuasion attempt
(e.g., persuading consumer to buy a specific type of item), if they perceive that the provider
stands to profit from selling a certain product. On the other hand, if the consumer knows that the
service provider is paid the same amount of money regardless of the customer’s purchases or
behavior then consumers might assume that the service provider’s recommendations are not selfcentered but focused on the customer’s actual needs.
Furthermore, the nature of the service offered by the firm will moderate the customer’s evaluation
of the salesperson and the firm. Research in services marketing has identified ways in which
services can be categorized depending on the amount of pre-purchase knowledge consumers
possess about the service, and the perceived risk associated with the transactions (Mitra, Reiss, &
Capella, 1999). In some service situations, we are able to assess the quality of the service
provided by the firm after that service has been rendered. An example would be getting a haircut
or purchasing certain types of clothing. These transactions, known as “experience” transactions,
would be classified as low to moderately risky with the consumer having a fair amount of product
knowledge prior to the purchase. In contrast are the high-risk transactions, known as “credence”
transactions, where the consumers again have little pre-purchase knowledge, and do not gain
significant additional knowledge after completing the transaction for a considerable amount of
time. It might be years before they are able to assess the quality of service they are receiving.
Examples include the quality of a medical procedure or the quality of long-term financial advice.
We suggest that a consumer who is planning to engage in a “credence” service interaction, will be
significantly more influenced by information relating to the service provider’s pay structure
compared to a customer who is planning to engage in “experience” service interaction. We will
also examine whether any individual traits (e.g., personality, approach to life) will mediate these
effects.
This research will provide unique insights into consumer perceptions of service providers and
service firms and help service managers strategize on payroll policy.
EXAMPLE
Research Method:
The research will be conducted through an online survey (administered via Qualtrics). Three ads
each have been created for fictitious “credence” and “experience” firms. The ads for each
“credence” or “experience” firm differ ONLY in whether they highlight (a) commission
compensation, (b) salary compensation, or (c) no compensation (control/neutral condition).
Participants will complete some preliminary questions relating to individual differences, and then
read one (of six) ads (refer appendix 1) for a service firm, and then complete the dependent
measures (refer appendix 2). Upon completing the dependent measures, participants will be
debriefed. There is no manipulation involved. No deception will be used. Data will be analyzed
with standard statistical tests such as ANOVA, Regression etc. Results will be reported in
aggregated form.
2) Number of participants and relevant characteristics:
About 150 participants will be required (approximately 20-25 per condition) for the study. There
are no specific study-related criteria for participant selection. All adults (18+ years of age) are
eligible to participate. All results will be reported in aggregate form.
3) Selection process (how participants will be selected):
Students have been recruited from classes in the School of Business and Economics to participate
in research in return for course credit, as part of the Marketing Research Participation Program.
Certain instructors have already been contacted and have provided consent for the students to be a
part of a participant pool, and these participants will be given a voluntary opportunity to complete
the online survey. Students who elect not to participate in research will be given an opportunity to
voluntarily complete a 3-page report in lieu of research participation to obtain the same credit.
4) Status of Research Assistants (background/qualifications):
There are no research assistants for this project.
5) Source of Funding:
There is no funding for this project.
6) Start – Completion dates:
The project will start late November 2014.
7) Attach copies of all questionnaires, testing instruments, or interview protocols,
and any cover letters or instructions to participants:
1) Appendices 1A-1F: Stimuli for study – six ad layouts
2) Appendix 2: Survey
3) Appendix 3: Statement of Informed Consent
4) Appendix 4: Debriefing statement
EXAMPLE
8) Attach a copy of your certificate of completion for the online training course. If
you don’t have it, indicate that you completed it and records will be verified by the
IRB Administrator:
Certificates for both the Principle Investigator and the Second Investigator are attached to
the email.
9) Anonymity/Confidentiality (how will you protect participants so they are not
identified with their responses):
No personal information (with the exception of gender) about the participants (age,
address, School ID etc.) is being collected. Data will be downloaded from Qualtrics and
stored in password protected files on the Principal Investigator’s computer. Following
data download, the survey/data files will be deleted from Qualtrics. The two facets of
personal information whose collection might be unavoidable might be (a) names that
need to be reported to the instructor, and (b) IP addresses that are collected by default. As
soon as the names are reported, the relevant columns will be deleted from the data files.
Every effort will be made to prevent the connection of individual responses to personal
information.
10) Consent Form:
Please refer appendix 3.
11) N/A
12) N/A
EXAMPLE
APPENDIX 1A: Experience Service-Commission payment
EXAMPLE
APPENDIX 1B: Experience Service-Salary payment
EXAMPLE
APPENDIX 1C: Experience Service-Neutral (no pay information)
EXAMPLE
APPENDIX 1D: Credence Service-Commission payment
EXAMPLE
APPENDIX 1E: Credence Service-Salary payment
EXAMPLE
APPENDIX 1F: Credence Service-Neutral (no pay information)
EXAMPLE
APPENDIX 2: STUDY QUESTIONNAIRE
<INSERT STATEMENT OF INFORMED CONSENT> (refer Appendix 3)
Welcome to our study!
You will be asked a respond to a few questions about yourself. You will then be shown a
work-in-progress ad layout for a company (the brand name is fictitious, so as not to
influence your opinion one way or the other). Please review the ad carefully, as after you
read the ad, you will be asked to respond to a series of questions relating to that ad.
The study will take about 20 minutes to complete. Please read each question carefully
before providing your response. There are no correct or wrong responses. We value your
honest opinion.
If you are ready, please enter your name below, and proceed to the next page.
Name: _________________
1) Here are a number of characteristics that may or may not apply to you. For
example, do you agree that you are someone who likes to spend time with others?
Please click on a number next to each statement to indicate the extent to which you
agree or disagree with that statement. (Radio buttons will be provided below the
numbers on the online survey; Big Five Personality Inventory)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Strongly Disagree…………Disagree…………Neutral………..…….Agree…………Strongly Agree
1
2
3
4
5
I see Myself as Someone Who:
1
Is talkative
Tends to find fault with others
Does a thorough job
Is depressed, blue
Is original, comes up with new ideas
Is reserved
Is helpful and unselfish with others
Can be somewhat careless
2
3
4
5
EXAMPLE
Is relaxed, handles stress well
Is curious about many different things
Is full of energy
Starts quarrels with others
Is a reliable worker
Can be tense
Is ingenious, a deep thinker
Generates a lot of enthusiasm
Has a forgiving nature
Tends to be disorganized
Worries a lot
Has an active imagination
Tends to be quiet.
Is generally trusting
Tends to be lazy
Is emotionally stable, not easily upset
Is inventive
Has an assertive personality
Can be cold and aloof
Perseveres until the task is finished
Can be moody
Values artistic, aesthetic experiences
Is sometimes shy, inhibited
Is considerate and kind to almost everyone
Does things efficiently
Remains calm in tense situations
Prefers work that is routine
Is outgoing, sociable
Is sometimes rude to others
Makes plans and follows through with them
Gets nervous easily
Likes to reflect, play with ideas
Has few artistic interests
EXAMPLE
Like to cooperate with others
Prefers work that is routine
Is easily distracted
Is sophisticated in art, music, or literature
2) Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements Please select the appropriate number for each statement. (Radio buttons will be
provided below the numbers on the online survey; Approach to life)
a) If I think something unpleasant is going to happen I usually get pretty "worked up."
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
b) I worry about making mistakes.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
c) Criticism or scolding hurts me quite a bit.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
d) I feel pretty worried or upset when I think or know somebody is angry at me.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
e) Even if something bad is about to happen to me, I rarely experience fear or
nervousness.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
f) I feel worried when I think I have done poorly at something.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
g) I have very few fears compared to my friends.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
h) When I get something I want, I feel excited and energized.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
i) When I'm doing well at something, I love to keep at it.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
j) When good things happen to me, it affects me strongly.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
k) It would excite me to win a contest.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
l) When I see an opportunity for something I like, I get excited right away.
EXAMPLE
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
m) When I want something, I usually go all-out to get it.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
n) I go out of my way to get things I want.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
o) If I see a chance to get something I want, I move on it right away.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
p) When I go after something I use a "no holds barred" approach.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
q) I will often do things for no other reason than that they might be fun.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
r) I crave excitement and new sensations.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
s) I'm always willing to try something new if I think it will be fun.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
t) I often act on the spur of the moment.
1
2
3
4
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
3) Please select a number next to each statement to indicate the extent to which you
agree or disagree with that statement. (Radio buttons will be provided below the
numbers on the online survey; Risk Aversion):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------Strongly Disagree….Disagree….Neutral….Agree….Strongly Agree
1
2
3
4
5
a) I am not willing to take risks when choosing a job or a company to work for.
b) I prefer a low risk/high security job with a steady salary over a job that offers high
risks and rewards.
c) I prefer to remain on a job that has problems that I know about rather than take the
risks of work at a new job that has unknown problems even if the job offers greater
rewards.
d) I view risk on a job as a situation to be avoided at all costs.
e) I always play it safe, even if it means occasionally losing out on a good opportunity.
EXAMPLE
f) I am a cautious person who generally avoids risks.
Now, please take a look at the ad below. As we told you earlier, the ad is a work-inprogress layout for a company, and we have provided fictitious brand names, so as
to obtain your true opinions. Please review the ad and then answer the rest of the
questions on this survey which all relate to the ad.
<INSERT AD> (refer Appendices 1A-1F)
4) I think the advertisement is….. (Radio buttons will be provided below the numbers on
the online survey; Attitude toward the advertisement):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
___
___
___
___
___
____
____
Good
b. Unfavorable ___
___
___
___
___
____
____
Favorable
c. Negative
___
___
___
___
___
____
____
Positive
d. Unattractive ___
___
___
___
___
____
____
Attractive
e. Not likable
___
___
___
___
___
____
____
Likable
e. Not effective ___
___
___
___
___
____
____
Effective
a. Bad
5) I think the brand/firm is….. (Radio buttons will be provided below the numbers on the
online survey; Attitude toward the brand/firm):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
a. Bad
___
___
___
___
___
____
____
Good
b. Negative
___
___
___
___
___
____
____
Positive
c. Unfavorable ___
___
___
___
___
____
____
Favorable
EXAMPLE
6) Please circle the appropriate number in response to the following statements about the
brand (Radio buttons will be provided below the numbers on the online survey; Purchase
intention):
Definitely
“Yes”
Definitely
“No”
I will consider going with
this company.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
I will check on
this company in the future.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
I will visit this company if I see an ad from
them.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
I will choose this company over my
current company.
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
7) In this section we want to know your thoughts about the ad that you just saw. Please respond
by circling the appropriate number. (Radio buttons will be provided below the numbers on
the online survey; Manipulation check):
a) How easy or difficult was it to understand the ad?
1
2
3
4
Very
Somewhat
Neutral
Somewhat
Difficult
Difficult
Easy
5
Very
Easy
b) The employees in the ad get paid by the hour on a straight salary or a flat fee.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly
Somewhat
Neutral
Somewhat
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Agree
c) The employees in the ad get paid on a commission of sales.
1
2
3
4
Strongly
Somewhat
Neutral
Somewhat
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
5
Strongly
Agree
c) There is no information in the ad about how the employees get paid.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly
Somewhat
Neutral
Somewhat
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
Agree
8) <INSERT DEBRIEFING STATEMENT> (refer Appendix 4)
EXAMPLE
APPENDIX 3: STATEMENT OF INFORMED CONSENT
This research study is being conducted by researchers at the School of Business and
Economics, at the College of Brockport, SUNY. The purpose of this academic research
project is to examine how people evaluate service firms and the information relating to
service providers. In order to participate in this study, your informed consent is required.
You are being asked to make a decision on whether or not to participate in the project. If
you want to participate in the project, and agree with the statements below, your
completion of the survey signifies your consent. You may change your mind at any time
and leave the study without penalty, even after the study has begun.
Your feedback will help provide a better understanding of how information about a
service firm is evaluated by consumers. The outcome of this research is expected to help
managers at service firms better communicate with consumers.
This project has been approved by the SUNY College at Brockport's Institutional Review
Board. Approval of this project only signifies that the procedures adequately protect the
rights and welfare of the participants. Please note that absolute confidentiality cannot be
guaranteed due to the limited protections of Internet access.
I understand that:
1. My participation is voluntary and I have the right to refuse to answer any
questions.
2. My confidentiality is protected. My name will not be linked to the survey. There
will be no way to connect me to my electronic submission. If any publication
results from this research, I will not be identified by name.
3. There will be no anticipated personal benefits because of my participation in this
project. There is a minor risk in the time that it takes to complete the survey.
Should I need to speak with someone, I may contact the counseling center on
campus at (585) 395-2207.
4. My participation involves reading an electronic survey and answering questions.
It is estimated that it will take approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey.
5. Approximately 150 people will take part in this study. The results will be reported
in aggregate form only. Data will be kept on a password protected computer and
will be erased when the research has been completed.
I am 18 years of age or older. I have read and understand the above statements. All my
questions about my participation in this study have been answered to my satisfaction. I
agree to participate in the study realizing I may withdraw without penalty at any time
during the survey process. Submitting the survey indicates my consent to participate.
If you have any questions you may contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Priyamvadha
Rangan, School of Business and Economics, College of Brockport, 585-395-5572,
prangan@brockport.edu.
EXAMPLE
APPENDIX 4: DEBRIEFING STATEMENT
Have you finished filling out the questionnaire? Thanks for doing that.
Let me tell you a little more about what we are doing. Actually, we are testing if people
evaluate services differently depending on whether the service provider is being paid by
sales commission or a monthly salary.
We did not expressly tell you about the manipulation beforehand, as this information has
been shown to impact the responses of the participants. If the theory works as expected,
people will evaluate certain services differently if the employees are paid by the hourly
rate.
Thank you for participating in this study.
Please do not discuss the details of this study for the next three weeks with any of your
class-mates or friends who attend classes at the School of Business and Economics as it
might compromise our study. Do you have any questions? Is it clear why we did what
we did? If not, please contact prangan@brockport.edu. Once again, we thank you for
participating in this study.
You now know the purpose of the study and the manipulations conducted. Would you
like to withdraw from this study?
YES
NO
(If a participant says YES, put the responses in a different pile and destroy them.)