Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Via Texting With A Terrorist Subject

Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Via Texting With A Terrorist Subject

Description of the project: In this research study, you will fill in a short (approximately 10-minutes) anonymous scenario that is adapted from a real incident involving communication between a terrorist subject and a law enforcement negotiator. The purpose of the survey is to gain insight into communication skills used by crisis/hostage negotiators (CHN). You will not be paid for your participation in this study. The study is being conducted by Professor Jeff Thompson, of the Institute for Conflict Management at Lipscomb University.

Why am I being asked to take part in this research study? We are documenting the first-hand experience and practices of law enforcement crisis/hostage negotiators. Because you are such a person, we are inviting you to participate in the study. If you are not a professional crisis/hostage negotiator, please do not take the survey.

What will be done: You will answer 44 questions about your experience and practice as a CHN.

Risk and discomfort: There are no anticipated risks.

Benefits: There are no direct benefits to you. However, you will have the opportunity to receive a summary of the results by sending an email requesting it.

Confidentiality: The study is anonymous. All data analysis will be done anonymously, and all study reporting will be based on the entire group of participants, with no personally identifying information or clues to any participant’s individual identity. If you choose, you will be sent a summary of the results, describing the participants' answers in aggregate; no individual person's identity will be revealed and no individual person’s responses will be reported.

Decision to quit at any time: The decision to participate in this research project is voluntary and you may discontinue at any time.

Questions about this study: If you have questions about how this study was conducted, or if you would like to receive the results, please contact Jeff Thompson (Jeff.Thompson@Lipscomb.edu). If you have other questions or concerns regarding the study and would like to talk to someone other than the researcher(s), you may also contact Dr. Justin Briggs, Chair of the Lipscomb University Institutional Review Board, justin.briggs@lipscomb.edu .

Participant statement of consent: I have read the consent form. By clicking next I give my consent to proceed with the study.