March 1, 2004

We are writing to ask permission for your child to participate in a research study regarding bullying and Character/Moral Education. This study will examine how young children view bullying and how character/moral reasoning programs help reduce bullying in the school setting. The study will be conducted by undergraduate education students from College of Saint Mary. Please read the following information carefully. If your child may participate in the study, please sign at the end of this form.

Your child will be given a multiple-choice survey using the Likert type scale. The research group will collect and analyze the data. The findings will be presented in a public forum.

The survey will only take place if the child is freely willing to participate. We do not expect your child to face any foreseeable risks nor receive any direct benefits from his/her participation.

Your child’s responses will be calculated for later coding by the primary investigators. Children’s names will be kept separate from the score sheets. Results will be analyzed and reported only in terms of like patterns.

If you agree to allow your child to participate in this study, please sign the form below. The form may be returned to your child’s classroom or to the Educational Specialist.

Thank you for your time.

Jenny L. Griffin

Lynnette B. Oberg

Ann J. O’Donnell

Michelle E. Simon

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Parent’s signature Date

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Child’s name