Family History Researcher Survey

An Exploration of the Motives and Historical Understanding of Family History Researchers

You are invited to participate in a unique Australian study conducted by Ms Emma Shaw, a PhD candidate from the University of Newcastle, under the supervision of Dr Robert Parkes (principal supervisor) and Dr Debra Donnelly (co-supervisor). This study seeks to explore why people are engaging with family history and what they learn as a result. Participation in this study is an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to knowledge about the way family history researchers investigate and understand the past within both an Australian and international context. If you are interested in participating in this study, please click on the link which will take you to an online survey.

Who can complete the survey?
Any persons who are currently researching their family history are invited to participate in the study.

What will you be asked to do?
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete an online survey totalling thirty-two questions. The survey includes demographic questions, questions about your research methods and tools, and questions about what you have discovered as a result of your research.

How much time will it take?
It is expected that the survey will take 30 minutes to complete.

How do I give my consent for my survey responses to be used?
When you click SUBMIT on the survey web page, this will be taken as an indication that you consent to your responses being used in the project. Unless you indicate a willingness to being a case study participant by providing your email address, there will be no way of removing your responses once you have clicked submit.

Where do I have to go to complete the survey?
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9DDJ8ZM

Where can I find out more information?
Please contact Ms Emma Shaw via the School of Education office on , or via email: or the project supervisor, Dr Robert Parkes, via telephone on: or email:

This research has been reviewed and approved by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval No. H-2014-0353).

Version 3: 12/11/2014