Informed Consent Form

Introduction

The title of this research study is A Description of How Veterans Find Purpose After Their Military-to-Civilian Transition.

I am Brian Minzey, a doctoral student under the supervision of Dr. David Gliddon in the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University.

The purpose of this study is to understand how veterans find purpose after leaving the military. The study will explore how they adjust to civilian life and describe their purpose.

Key Information

This document defines the terms and conditions for consenting to participate in this research study.

How do I know if I can be in this study?

You can participate in this study if you:

  • Served at least 2 years in the U.S. military.
  • Received an honorable discharge.
  • Are 21 years or older.
  • Speak English.
  • Live in the Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada).

You cannot participate in this study if you:

  • Have a condition that prevents you from completing a one-on-one interview.
  • Have an active legal issue that may interfere with participation.
  • Cannot complete the interview due to current living or personal situation.
  • Received a discharge under other than honorable conditions.
Research Activities: What am I being asked to do?

If you agree to be in this study, you will be asked to:

What?

  • Complete a short demographic questionnaire (5–10 minutes).
  • Take part in a one-on-one interview (60–90 minutes).
  • Review your interview transcript for accuracy if you choose (10–15 minutes).
  • Review a summary of findings and provide feedback if you choose (5–10 minutes).

When?
This study will take place in 2026.

Where?
The interview will take place either in person or online using Zoom.

How?
Data will be collected through in-person or Zoom interviews and recorded for accuracy.

Audio Recording:
I will use an audio recorder or Zoom's audio recording feature to record your responses. You cannot participate if you do not wish to be recorded. Your identity will be protected by assigning a code instead of using your name.
Zoom privacy policy: https://explore.zoom.us/en/privacy/

Video Recording
I will use Zoom's video recording feature or a video recording device to record your interview. Because this recording may show your identity, additional steps will be taken to protect your information.

I will label all video recordings with an ID code instead of your name. I will store the recordings in a password-protected folder on a secure system. Only I and authorized university personnel can access the recordings. I will delete all video files after I complete transcription and review.

You can participate if you do not wish to be recorded on video. If you choose not to be video recorded, only audio will be recorded during the interview.

Your identity will be protected by removing any identifying information from transcripts and reports.

Zoom Privacy Policy: https://explore.zoom.us/en/privacy/

Who will have access to my data/information?

Your data, including identifiable information, will be accessible only by me, specific members of the committee, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

Am I required to participate in this study?

Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. After reading this informed consent, you can decide whether to participate in this study or not. Also, if you choose to participate and then change your mind, you can leave the study at any time, even if you have not finished, without any penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you decide to stop participation, you may do so by informing the researcher. If so, I will not use the information that I collected from you before you chose to stop.

Any possible risks or discomforts?

You may feel upset when talking about your transition to civilian life. Questions may bring up hard memories or feelings.

You do not have to answer any questions. You may stop at any time.

If you feel distress, seek support. You can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, text 838255, or visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net. If you are in danger, call 911.

Any direct benefits for me?

No.

Any paid compensation or incentives for my time?

Participants will not get paid for their participation.

Presentation of Information Collected

I will present the data in a doctoral dissertation at Grand Canyon University. I may also share the results at conferences. I will report the data as themes and will not identify participants.

Privacy and Data Security

Will researchers ever be able to link my data/responses back to me?

Yes. I may link data to you for a brief time to manage the study. I will not use your name in any reports or publications.

Will my initial data include information that can identify me (names, addresses, or other identifying material, such as audio, specific demographics, etc.)

Yes. Initial data may include your name, audio recordings, and basic demographic details.

Will researchers assign my data/responses a research ID code to use instead of my name?

Yes. I will assign you a research ID code (for example, V01 or V02). I will use this code instead of your name in all data files and reports.

If yes, how will researchers create a list to link names with their research ID codes?

I will create a master list that links participant names to their assigned research ID codes.

If yes, how will researchers secure the link of names and research ID codes? How long will the link be kept? Who has access? What is the approximate destruction date?

I will store the master list that links names and ID codes in a password-protected file. Only I can access it. I will keep it for 5 years and delete it on 06-01-2030.

How and where will my data be protected (electronic and hardcopy)?

I will store all data, such as recordings, transcripts, and consent forms, in a password-protected system. I will keep backup files on a secure device in a locked space. I will remove names and identifying details from transcripts and reports. I will use only de-identified data.

Will artificial intelligence (AI) software be used?

Yes. AI tools such as Otter.ai and Plaud will be used to transcribe audio recordings.
I will not include your name or identifying details. I will not share your data in a way that could identify you.

How long will the data be kept in the protected space?

All data will be stored securely for five years after the completion of the study.

Once your data is coded or de-identified, it becomes protected data. I will have access to all of your data and information. In addition, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

What is the privacy policy for survey platforms (Survey Monkey, Qualtrics, mTurk, Google, etc.), any recording software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.), interview software, survey software, artificial intelligence software, or transcription software companies?

Zoom Privacy Policy: https://explore.zoom.us/en/privacy/
Google Forms Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Otter.ai Privacy Policy: https://otter.ai/privacy-policy
Plaud.AI Privacy Policy: https://www.plaud.ai/policies/privacy-policy
MAXQDA Privacy Statement: https://www.maxqda.com/privacy
GoDaddy Privacy Policy: https://www.godaddy.com/legal/agreements/privacy-policy

Where and how will the signed informed consent forms be secured?

I will store signed consent forms in a secure, password-protected location, separate from the data.

Future Research

Once such as names and other identifying details are removed from the data collected for this study, the de-identified information could be used for future research studies or distributed to other investigators for future research studies without additional informed consent from you or your legally authorized representative.

Study Contact

Any questions you have concerning the research study or your participation in the study, before or after your informed consent, will be answered by Brian Minzey, email: Brian@brianminzey.com, phone: 480-433-6809

If you have questions about your rights as a subject/participant in this research, or if you feel you have been placed at risk, you can contact the Chair of the Human Subjects Institutional Review Board through the College of Doctoral Studies at IRB@gcu.edu; (602) 639-7804.

Voluntary Consent

Participant Rights
  • You have been given an opportunity to read and discuss the informed consent and ask questions about this study.
  • You have been given enough time to consider whether or not you want to participate.
  • You have read and understand the terms and conditions and agree to take part in this research study.
  • You understand your participation is voluntary and that you may stop participation at any time without penalty.

Your signature means that you understand your rights listed above and agree to participate in this study.

    Digital Signature