LGBT+ Experiences in STEM Careers

LGBTQ+ Experiences in STEM Careers
I am a doctoral student working on my PhD dissertation. This study aims to understand the relationship between being out at work and the positive psychological resources of LGBTQ+ STEM workers.

Informed Consent Form
Key Information
You are invited to participate in a research study about the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals working in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields in the United States. The purpose of this doctoral research is to understand the relationship between being open about your LGBTQ+ identity at work and positive psychological resources among LGBTQ+ STEM professionals.
Your participation is voluntary. Please read this form carefully and ask any questions before deciding whether to participate.
Why am I being asked to participate?
You are eligible if you:

Are 18 years of age or older,
Identify anywhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum,
Are currently employed in a STEM field in the United States.

What will I be asked to do?
If you agree to participate:

You will complete a one-time, online survey with 41 questions about your workplace experiences and demographics. The survey should take about 5–7 minutes.
All survey questions are optional, and you may skip any question or stop at any time.

What are the risks or discomforts?

Some questions may be sensitive, such as those about your sexual orientation, gender identity, or workplace disclosure. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer.
While your responses are anonymous, there is a minimal risk of loss of confidentiality with electronic data. No personally identifiable information (such as your name, email, or employer) will be collected.

What are the benefits?

There is no direct benefit to you. Your participation may help increase understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in STEM and support research that could inform positive changes in workplace policies and support for LGBTQ+ employees.

Will I be paid for participating?

There is no payment or incentive for participation.

How will my information be kept confidential?

Your responses are anonymous; we do not collect your name or any identifying information.
Data will be stored securely in Alchemer, a password-protected online survey platform. Alchemer's Privacy Policy can be found online: https://www.alchemer.com/privacy/. Only the researcher, dissertation chair, committee member, and peer reviewers will have access to the data.
Results will be reported in aggregate. No individual participant will be identified.
All data will be deleted three years after the study is completed.

Is participation voluntary?

Yes. Participation is completely voluntary. You may refuse to participate or withdraw at any time without penalty or loss of benefits.

Who can I contact with questions?

For questions about the study, contact Kate Knudsen at Katherine.knudsen@student.uagc.edu. Kate will not know who has or has not participated.
For questions about your rights as a research participant, or to discuss concerns or complaints with someone independent of the research team, contact the University of Arizona Global Campus Institutional Review Board (IRB) at (866) 711-1700 or IRB@uagc.edu.

How many people will take part?

Approximately 185 individuals will participate in this study.

Statement of Consent
By clicking "I Agree," you confirm that:

You have read and understood the information above,
Your participation is voluntary,
You consent to participate in this research study.

1. You must agree to continue to the survey. *This question is required.