Title of Study: Evaluating the Educational and Empathy-Building Impact of the Rebuilding Lives Prototype

Principal Investigator: Micki Archuleta
Institution: Modesto Junior College
Contact Information: archuletam@yosemite.edu

Introduction

You are invited to participate in a research study conducted by Micki Archuleta, PhD to evaluate the educational effectiveness of the Rebuilding Lives prototype. This study aims to assess learning outcomes, engagement, empathy development, and usability of the game.

Before you decide whether to participate, please read this form carefully. It explains the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, and your rights as a participant.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to explore how interactive, narrative-driven gameplay fosters understanding of houselessness and influences decision-making processes. The study also evaluates usability and engagement to improve future versions of the prototype.

Procedures

If you agree to participate, you will be asked to:

  • Complete a pre-survey before playing the prototype (10 minutes).
  • Play the Rebuilding Lives prototype (30–45 minutes).
  • Complete a post-survey, which includes the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ) and additional questions (15 minutes).
  • (Optional) Participate in a focus group discussion (30 minutes) to share thoughts on your experience.

Your participation in this study will take approximately 60–90 minutes in total.

Voluntary Participation & Right to Withdraw

  • Your participation is entirely voluntary.
  • You may choose not to participate or withdraw at any time without any consequences.
  • You may also skip any question that you do not wish to answer.

Potential Risks & Discomforts

There are minimal risks associated with this study. Some participants may experience minor discomfort when discussing topics related to houselessness. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you may stop the survey or withdraw from the study.

Potential Benefits

  • You may gain a deeper understanding of social issues such as houselessness and resource allocation.
  • Your feedback will contribute to the improvement of the Rebuilding Lives prototype, benefiting future learners.

Confidentiality

  • Your responses will remain confidential and will only be used for research purposes.
  • No personally identifiable information will be published.
  • All data will be stored securely and will only be accessed by the research team.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the study, you may contact:
Micki Archuleta
archuletam@yosemite.edu
Modesto Junior College

If you have any concerns regarding your rights as a participant, you may contact MJC Institutional Effectiveness at: mjcinstitutionaleffectiveness@yosemite.edu.

Consent Statement

By signing below, you confirm that:

  • You have read and understood this consent form.
  • You voluntarily agree to participate in the study.
  • You understand that you can withdraw at any time without consequences.

Participant Name: ________________________________

Signature: ________________________________________

Date: ______________________________________________