Participant Information Sheet: Delta Goodrem Concert

Title: Beyond Fandom: Pathways for creative careers for pop music fans

Chief Investigator/Senior Supervisor: Dr Catherine Strong

Principal Investigator: Dr Shelley Brunt

Principal Research Student(s): Katherine (Kate) Pattison

RMIT University

What does my participation involve?

1          Introduction

You are invited to take part in this research project, “Beyond Fandom: Pathways for creative careers for pop music fans”. You have been invited because you are a Delta Goodrem fan, attending one of her Australian concerts.

This Participant Information Sheet tells you about the research project. It explains the processes involved with taking part. Knowing what is involved will help you decide if you want to take part in the research. Please ask questions about anything that you don’t understand or want to know more about.

Participation in this research is voluntary. If you don’t wish to take part, you don’t have to.

2          What is the purpose of this research?

Fan creativity has been a central focus of fan studies research. The skills required to create fan-art are often self-taught and encouraged by a community of like-minded peers. Prior research has recognised online fandoms as informal learning environments where fans learn valuable, transferable skills.

The purpose of this study is to examine how participation in pop music fandoms can offer alternative pathways to creative careers. To do so, this proposed research project will investigate how creative skills are acquired, perceptions of pop music fans, barriers to professional opportunities, and potential pathways to employment.

The results of this research will be used by the researcher Katherine Pattison to obtain a DR211, PhD (Media & Communication).

3          What does participation in this research involve? 

We are requesting a short, recorded interview, which should take around 5 to 10 minutes.

You will be interviewed about your experiences as a Delta Goodrem fan including: your participation in the fandom, the Innocent Eyes album, and the tour.

There are no costs associated with participating in this research project, nor will you be paid.

If you decide you want to take part in the research project, you will be asked to verbally give consent on an audio recording, via the phrase “Do you consent to take part?”.  By saying “Yes”, you are telling us that you:

1) Understand what you have read on this Participant Information Sheet AND

2) Consent to take part in the research project

At no point will your name be associated with the interview transcripts created from this interview. The interview data will be completely de-identified (including the removal of any details given in interviews that could lead to identify you), and a pseudonym to replace your real name will be used in any written materials.

4          Photography and video recording

 We may request a photo or a video of you, and it is your right to decline. If you do agree, you will be asked to give consent on an audio recording via the phrase “Do you give consent for your photograph to be taken?”. By saying “Yes”, you are telling us that you:

1) Understand that an image of you will exist alongside a pseudonym (not your real name) AND

2) Consent for this image to be published and/or presented in a variety of forums, such as: the PhD thesis, an academic journal article, a book, or on social media to promote this research project.

5          Do I have to take part in this research project?

Participation in any research project is voluntary. If you do not wish to take part, you do not have to. Taking part in an interview is an indication of your consent to participate in the study.

You may stop the interview at any time. You may also refuse to answer any questions that you do not wish to answer during the interview.

Your decision whether to take part or not to take part, or to take part and then withdraw, will not affect your relationship with the researchers or with RMIT University.

6          What are the possible benefits of taking part? 

We cannot guarantee or promise that you will receive any benefits from this research; however, you may appreciate contributing to knowledge. Possible benefits may include gaining an understanding of how fan-based productivity can translate into job opportunities.

7          What are the risks and disadvantages of taking part?

Please discuss any concerns you may have with the researchers.

How is the research project being conducted?

10        What will happen to information about me?

Any information obtained in connection with this research project that can identify you will remain confidential, unless consent has been given otherwise. It is anticipated that the results of this research project will be published in the PhD thesis, as well as academic journal articles. In any publication and/or presentation, information will be provided in such a way that you cannot be identified, except with your express permission.

Video and audio will be recorded on the researcher’s iPhone, and then and securely stored in line with RMIT’s ethics procedures for data management.

11        Who is organising and funding the research?

This research project is being conducted by Katherine Pattison, Dr Catherine Strong and Dr Shelley Brunt as part of the DR211, PhD (Media & Communication) degree at RMIT.

12        Who has reviewed the research project?       

All research in Australia involving humans is reviewed by an independent group of people called a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). This research project has been approved by the RMIT University HREC.

This project will be carried out according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). This statement has been developed to protect the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies.

13        Further information and who to contact

If you want any further information concerning this project, you can contact the researcher (Kate Pattison) on 0419 529 126 or any of the following people: