Download this page as pdf: Virtual Photography Info Sheet

Invitation and Brief Summary

You are being invited to take part in a research study.  Please read this information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish.  You are free to withdraw at any time, without giving any reason.

What is the purpose of the research?

The research aims to understand why and how virtual photographers take images. The purpose is to better understand virtual photography as a creative fan practice.

What does taking part involve?

Participants will be invited to take part in a virtual "go-along" interview. You will be invited to privately stream / share your gameplay with the interviewer whilst you take virtual photographs. This will be via Discord, Zoom or similar platform. The interview will take place whilst you play the game. The interview will be based upon what you do whilst you stream and will ask you about your experiences of virtual photography / screenshotting games. Interviews are expected to last between 30 to 60 minutes.

What information will be collected and who will have access to the information collected?

The data that will be stored will be a video and audio recording of the interview and stream will be.

Particiaption will be anonymous and to retain confidentiality names (or aliases) will be removed and any potentially identifying information in the data removed. Any screenshots, video clips and quotes which may appear in any publication or presentation of the research will have been anonymised beforehand.

This recording and all other data will be stored securely on Newcastle University managed data storage. The full recordings will not be shared with anyone outside of Newcastle University. The only individuals at Newcastle University who will have access to information that identifies you will be the researcher and any individuals who need to audit the data collection process.

The only personal information collected will be the name (or alias) the participant chooses to give and the provided contact information. The purpose of collecting this information will be to ensure it is possible to remove data if you choose to withdraw from the research.

Why have I been invited to take part?

You have been asked to take part as you have indicated an interest in taking virtual photographs, possibly as a member of an active virtual photography community.

Who is the sponsor and data controller for this research?

Newcastle University is the sponsor for this study based in the United Kingdom. Newcastle University will be using information from you in order to undertake this study and will act as the data controller for this study. This means that Newcastle University is responsible for looking after your information and using it properly. The lawful basis for carrying out this study under GDPR is Task in the Public Interest, (Article 6,1e) as research is cited as part of the University’s duties. To safeguard your rights, the minimum personally-identifiable information will be used.

Has this study received ethical approval?

This study has received ethical approval from the Newcastle University Ethical Committee.

Who should I contact for further information relating to the research?

Dr Nick Rush-Cooper , School of Arts and Cultures, Newcastle University. nick.rush-cooper@newcastle.ac.uk 

Who should I contact in order to file a complaint?

Research Study: Virtual Photography, Dr Nick Rush-Cooper

If you wish to raise a complaint on how your personal data is handled, you can contact the Data Protection Officer who will investigate the matter: rec-man@newcastle.ac.uk.

If you are not satisfied with their response you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): https://ico.org.uk/

Thank you