Informed Consent
Please review the study details and agree to the terms of participation.
Principal Investigator: Stanley Gloss
Institution: Southern New Hampshire University
IRB Protocol Number: IRB-FY2025-43
Contact Information: stanley.gloss@snhu.edu | 978-771-8441
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Introduction
You are invited to take part in a research study about the innovation and delivery skills of entrepreneurs who self-identify as having dyslexia. This study is being conducted by Stanley Gloss as part of the requirements for a doctoral degree at Southern New Hampshire University. Before deciding whether to participate, please read this information carefully. This consent form is also available in audio format to support accessibility for adults with dyslexia.
The study website is a simple, static site designed for clarity and ease of reading on computers and mobile devices. It is not designed to meet HHS Section 504 web accessibility standards. The audio version of this consent form is provided only to support adults with dyslexia who prefer to listen rather than read.
After reviewing the study overview on the website, you will be asked if you would like to participate. If you choose to continue, you will be presented with this informed consent form.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to examine patterns in innovation and delivery skills among entrepreneurs with self-reported dyslexia using the Innovator’s DNA (IDNA) assessment (Dyer et al., 2019). The study does not compare people with and without dyslexia; it focuses on identifying skill patterns that may be linked to the lived experiences of entrepreneurs with dyslexia.
Why You Have Been Invited
You are invited because you (a) identify as an adult entrepreneur with dyslexia (diagnosed or self-reported), (b) have founded and led a commercial or nonprofit organization for at least two years, and (c) have at least five years of total professional experience.
What You Will Do
If you agree to participate, you will first provide consent, then:
- Answer two short screening questions to confirm eligibility.
- Complete a brief demographic questionnaire.
- Complete the Innovator’s DNA (IDNA) online assessment (approximately 30–45 minutes).
Voluntary Participation
Participation is entirely voluntary. You may stop at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you withdraw, all identifiable data will be deleted unless already anonymized and combined with other data for analysis.
Potential Risks
There are minimal risks to participation. You may skip any question you prefer not to answer. Some participants may experience minor discomfort when reflecting on personal skills or work experiences.
Potential Benefits
There is no guaranteed benefit, but you will receive your personal IDNA results (a $275 value) and may gain insight into your innovation and delivery skills. Your participation may also contribute to understanding how cognitive strengths associated with dyslexia can support entrepreneurial success.
Data Handling and Confidentiality
All information collected in this study will be kept strictly confidential. Your name and email address will be collected only to provide you with access to the Innovator’s DNA (IDNA) assessment and to match your responses with your eligibility information. This identifying information will be stored separately from study data on a password-protected and encrypted computer. Only the researcher will have access to these identifiers.
When you register on the IDNA platform, the IDNA company will collect and store the personal data you provide (such as your name, email address, demographic information, and assessment responses). Your name and email are temporarily linked to your assessment results so the researcher can verify that all data have been received. The Innovator’s DNA platform functions as a third-party data processor for this study and will not use or share your information for any other purpose. Each participant will receive their personal assessment report directly from IDNA.
After data collection ends, the researcher will download the verified dataset from IDNA, confirm that it is complete, and then formally request that IDNA permanently delete all participant data related to this study, including assessment results, demographic information, and personal identifiers. Written confirmation of deletion will be retained in the study records.
All names and emails will be deleted before data analysis. Only the researcher and authorized research advisors (the dissertation chair and committee) may review de-identified data for verification purposes. No names, email addresses, or identifiable information will appear in any report, publication, or presentation resulting from this research.
All study data will be stored securely on the researcher’s encrypted, password-protected computer. Both personal and de-identified data will be securely retained for three years after study completion and then permanently deleted using secure file-erasure software.
Data Security
Only the researcher will have access to study files. Identifiable information (names and emails) will be stored separately from research data and deleted before analysis. De-identified data will be retained securely for three years after study completion and then permanently deleted.
Compensation
There is no monetary compensation. You will receive your personal IDNA results at no cost.
Questions and Contacts
If you have questions about this study, please contact:
Stanley Gloss – stanley.gloss@snhu.edu | 978-771-8441
If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, contact the Southern New Hampshire University Institutional Review Board (IRB) at IRB@snhu.edu.
Electronic Consent
By checking the box below, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old, have read and understood this information, and voluntarily agree to participate in this study. You may print or save a copy of this form for your records.