Research Ethics & Code of Conduct

Exempt Consent Form for Participation in Research

Study Purpose: You are being asked to participate in a research study about observing decision-making processes and action diversity in prosocial behaviors across different situational contexts. If you participate in this study, you will participate in the program as normal and allow the researchers to access the information from your program to use as data for research. You will not be asked to do anything outside of the normal program. The information that will be used from the program as research data includes your interaction records. This information will be accessed on after you complete all tasks. This information will be accessible to members of the research team. The dataset will remain anonymous. The data will be completely de-identified by the end of 2025. Participation in this study is strictly voluntary. You can choose not to participate in the study or stop participating at any time by notifying us or by not answering any more questions. It is not an expectation nor requirement of the program that you allow your information to be used as data for research. It is not an expectation of any personal or professional relationships you may have with members of the research team that you allow your information to be used as data for research.

What you'll do:

Complete 12 scenario-based decision tasks
Rate personal values for each situation
Choose actions and explain motivations
Estimated time: 15-20 minutes

Data Collection & Privacy:

Only anonymous responses and choices are recorded
No personal identifying information is collected
Data is used solely for research purposes
Results may be published in academic venues
Minimal risk: No physical or psychological harm expected

There are minimal risks associated with allowing your information to be used as data in this study and there are no direct benefits to you from participating in this research. You will not receive any payment for allowing your information to be used as data for research. If you have any questions about the research or how it is implemented, please contact the the student researcher, Seoyeong Park (spark43@ncsu.edu). You can also contact the faculty advisor for this research, Dr. Munindar P. Singh, at mpsingh@ncsu.edu.

If you have questions about your rights as a participant or are concerned with your treatment throughout the research process, please contact the NC State University IRB Director at IRB-Director@ncsu.edu, 919-515-8754, or fill out a confidential form online at https://research.ncsu.edu/administration/compliance/research-compliance/irb/irb-forms-and-templates/participant-concern-and-complaint-form/.

If you consent to complete this experiment, please click on the consent button and proceed to the experiment.

I have read and understood the above information. I voluntarily agree to participate in this research study.

Instructions

You will go through several scenarios where people need help. For each scenario, you will complete these steps.

Step 1: Read the Scenario

Each scenario describes a situation where help is needed in your community. You will see:

Situation: What is happening and who needs help
Status: Your current resources, time, circumstances, and environmental status
Constraints: Any limitations, challenges, or special considerations you need to keep in mind, if any

As you read, imagine yourself in this exact situation to help you decide on the best course of action.

Step 2: Rate Your Values

For each scenario, you will rate how important different values are to you in that specific situation:

Self-Direction (independence, freedom of choice)
Stimulation (adventure, new experiences)
Achievement (success, recognition)
Security (safety, avoiding risk)
Tradition (following customs, respecting norms)
Benevolence (helping people close to you)
Universalism (helping all people, protecting others' welfare)

Use the 0-7 scale where 0 = "Not important at all" and 7 = "Extremely important"

Step 3: Choose Your Action

Select what you would most likely do in this situation:

No Help: Focus on your own priorities rather than help others
Monetary Donation: Contribute money to the cause
Goods Donation: Donate physical items or supplies
Direct Volunteering: Physically help with hands-on activities
Remote Support: Help from your location (organizing, social media, etc.)

Step 4: Explain Your Motivation

Tell us what drove your action selection and how confident you feel about your choice.

Helping Others: "I wanted to contribute and support those in need"
Being Safe: "I wanted to avoid danger and stay protected"
Maximizing Impact: "I wanted to make the biggest possible positive difference"
Standing Out: "I wanted to be recognized or visible for my contribution"
Fitting In: "I wanted to do what was expected or what others were doing"

Important Notes

• There are no right or wrong answers - we want to understand how YOU think

• Answer honestly based on what you would actually do

• Consider your real circumstances in each scenario

• Take your time - there's no rush

Round 1 of 6

Scenario Title

Situation

Scenario description will appear here

Your Current Status

Additional Information

Constraints will appear here

In this situation, how important are these considerations to you?

Other Important Considerations (Optional)

Is there anything else that would be important to you in making this decision that wasn't covered above? Please share your thoughts.

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Research Ethics & Code of Conduct

Exempt Consent Form for Participation in Research

Action Selection in Prosocial Behaviors

Hello!

Instructions

Step 1: Read the Scenario

Step 2: Rate Your Values

Step 3: Choose Your Action

Step 4: Explain Your Motivation

Important Notes

Scenario Title

Situation

Your Current Status

Additional Information

In this situation, how important are these considerations to you?

Other Important Considerations (Optional)

What would you do?

What was your main motivation?

How confident are you that this was the right choice for you?

Outcome

Study Complete!

Thank you for participating!