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Student Research Participants Info Page

Dear Fielding Doctoral Student,


I am conducting a research study exploring how students, faculty, and administrators think about AI use and assessment in doctoral education. I am inviting Fielding Graduate University doctoral students to participate:


What This Study Involves:

If you choose to participate, you would:

  1. Complete an online question-and-answer session (60-120 minutes): You'll be provided instructions to submit your approved Concept Paper or Proposal to a AI chatbot research instrument. The chatbot will then ask you questions about your work. Questions will ask you to explain key concepts, your methodological choices, and how your ideas might apply to new situations. This session is recorded and produces a transcript. An anonymous proctor will be available during this session for technical support.
  2. Participate in an interview (60-75 minutes): You'll be interviewed about your perspectives on AI use in doctoral work, and your experience with the online Q&A session from step 1.


Important Information:

  • This is research only, not official evaluation. Your participation has no effect on your grades, academic standing, or progress in your program.
  • AI disclosure is protected. Sharing that you used AI for this study will not trigger academic integrity concerns.
  • Your work will be protected when submitted to the AI chatbot. Your written work will be processed through ChatGPT Team, which has enhanced data privacy protections. OpenAI does NOT use Team data to train AI models. However, you should NOT submit sensitive or proprietary work (such as dissertation chapters containing unpublished research).
  • Your transcript will be anonymized. All identifying information will be removed before your materials are shared with faculty or administrators from the other school (not your own, to protect your identity).
  • Participation is voluntary. You can withdraw at any time without consequences.
  • Time Commitment: Approximately 3 hours total (session + interview)
  • Compensation: None (voluntary participation), but you'll gain insight into your own learning, inform thoughtful policy development for doctoral programs; and contribute to understanding institutional tensions around AI integration.


Questions or Interest in Participating?

If you're interested, please first click the links below to review:


If you still have questions, please contact me at spote@fielding.edu.


If you believe you qualify after reviewing the above, please download a copy of the Informed Consent form at the bottom of this page, sign, and email it to me at spote@fielding.edu.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to understanding of AI in doctoral education.


Sincerely,

Shana Pote

Doctoral Candidate, School of Leadership Studies, Fielding Graduate University spote@fielding.edu


Student Informed Consent