By joining our server, you agree to interact with other players on the server respectfully AND participate anonymously in a research study based on server log data. Respectful participation requirements include:
- NO foul language or hate speech – spoken, written or built
- NO insults or insensitive, demeaning jokes
- NO bullying or harassing other players
- NO griefing
Engaging in any of this behavior will result in you being banned from the server.
Please DO share this opportunity with your friends and family. However, rather than just give them the server address please send them to the join page first.
What is this all about?
You are participating anonymously in a research study. Participation is fully voluntary, and you can withdraw from the research at any time by not playing on the server. The purpose of this study is to better understand to what extent you enjoy Minecraft, how you think about the game, and how it may be influencing the way you think about science. Participating in this study will involve playing on some specially designed Minecraft worlds that present concepts from Astronomy, Geology, and Engineering.
What procedures are involved?
We collect anonymous log data about where you go, what quests you complete and the observations you make. All data is disconnected from your real name and tied to a number (a UUID). It is similar to Google Analytics or data collected on any other website.
What are the potential risks and discomforts?
There are no known risks beyond those normally associated with computer use and working in academic settings (remotely).
Are there benefits to participating in the research?
Your may learn more about basic concepts in Astronomy, Earth Science, Engineering, and also potentially become more interested in science overall. Also, you get to have fun playing Minecraft.
Will study-related information be kept confidential?
We will use all reasonable efforts to keep information confidential, but we cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. When this research is discussed or published, no one will know that you participated in the study. But, when required by law or university policy, identifying information such as your IP address or username may be seen or copied by: a) The Institutional Review Board that approves research studies; b) The Office for Protection of Research Subjects and other university departments that oversee human subjects research; c) University and state auditors responsible for oversight of research; d) Federal regulatory agencies such as the Office of Human Research Protections in the Department of Health and Human Services; or e) The National Science Foundation, the funder of this research.
Will we be reimbursed for any expenses or paid for participation in this research?
You will not be offered payment for being in this study.
Will data collected be used for any other research?
Your de-identified information could be used for future research without additional informed consent.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Contact the PI Dr. H. Chad Lane, Associate Professor at (217) 333-2245 or hclane@illinois.edu if you have any questions about this study or your part in it, or if you have concerns or complaints about the research.
What are my rights as a research subject?
If you have any questions about your child’s rights as a participant in this study, please contact the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Office for the Protection of Research Subjects at 217-333-2670 or irb@illinois.edu.