Firstly, I would like to thank you for choosing to take part in my experiment!

The aim of this experiment is to observe how an infectious disease spreads both within and between social networks - in this case, on the Newcastle University campus. This pretend disease will be spreading around different courses, modules, friendship groups, faculty, in the form of badges worn by you.

It is important not to tell anyone about the experiment unless they enquire about them, to ensure that it represents the most realistic epidemic possible. People asking about the badge you are wearing represents them catching the disease off you, the same way one would catch a disease such as a common cold.

As long as you only hand out badges to those who enquire about yours, you can pass out badges to as many people as possible during the 2 weeks you wear it.