Plain Language Statement

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in participating in this research project. The following few pages will provide you with further information about the project, so that you can decide if you would like to take part in this research. 

Please take the time to read this information carefully. You may ask questions about anything you don’t understand or want to know more about.

Your participation is voluntary. If you don’t wish to take part, you don’t have to. If you begin participating, you can also stop at any time.

What is this research about?

The study will investigate the modern minimalism movement, the values this lifestyle promotes, and how these values are practiced in everyday life. I am interested in people’s practices of domestic consumption, sorting, display, and disposal, and how these practices contribute to living ‘the good life’. 

What will I be asked to do?

I am asking for your help in understanding the contemporary minimalist movement in Melbourne. During meetups for minimalist groups, I may be present and participate in the conversation. I may ask you to give an informal interview about your minimalist lifestyle practice and what it means to you.  You may be asked to participate in a follow-up interview, in which I observe the space of your home and/or photographs of your home. If you consent, these sessions will be audio recorded. If you consent, photographs will be taken of certain spaces in your home and your interaction in the space. I estimate that the time required will range between one to two hours per interview.

What are the possible benefits?

You will be provided with a $30 payment as reward for participating in this research project. You will also be sent a report on the research findings and have access to any publications arising from this research via my personal website.

How will my confidentiality be protected?

I intend to protect your anonymity and the confidentiality of your responses. In any publications arising from this research, you will be referred to be a pseudonym. Please note that given the small number of participants involved in the study, it may not be possible to guarantee your anonymity.

Your name and contact details will be kept in a password-protected computer file, separate from any data that you supply. The interviews will be transcribed by the responsible researcher. The data collected in this research, including interview recordings, notes, and photographs will be kept securely in the researcher’s office and retained for use in future publications and research. 

Where can I get further information?

If you would like more information about the project, please contact the researchers: 

Hannah Gould, ARC Research Fellow

School of Social and Political Sciences, Arts, The University of Melbourne 

Tel: +61 431046221  Email: hannah.gould@unimelb.edu.au

Who can I contact if I have any concerns about the project?

This research project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of The University of Melbourne. If you have any concerns or complaints about the conduct of this research project, which you do not wish to discuss with the research team, you should contact the Manager, Human Research Ethics, Research Ethics and Integrity, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010. Tel: +61 3 8344 2073 or Email: HumanEthics-complaints@unimelb.edu.au. All complaints will be treated confidentially. In any correspondence please provide the name of the research team or the name or ethics ID number of the research project.