Ethics Approval
This research has received ethical approval from the Research Integrity and Ethics Committee (RIEC) at Falmouth University (Ref: RIEC 25-222).
The project follows established university research ethics procedures and UK data protection regulations. It has been designed to be carried out with care, respect, and responsibility towards everyone who takes part.
A Careful and Respectful Research Approach
Building Identity Through Stories explores how creative storytelling and transmedia practices may support students during their transition into higher education.
Because the project may involve reflecting on personal experiences of university life, identity, and belonging, creating a respectful and supportive research environment is an important part of the project design.
Participants are encouraged to take part in ways that feel comfortable for them, and there is no expectation to share personal experiences unless they wish to do so.
Trauma-Informed Practice
This research is not therapy or counselling.
The workshops are educational and creative sessions that explore how storytelling can help students reflect on their transition into university.
However, the research recognises that reflecting on personal experiences may sometimes feel sensitive. For this reason, the project follows a trauma-informed approach, where:
- activities usually begin with lighter prompts before deeper reflection
- participants can choose how much they wish to share
- participants may engage with activities in different creative formats
Participants are always free to participate in ways that feel comfortable for them.
Voluntary Participation
Participation in this research is completely voluntary.
Participants will receive clear information about the study before deciding whether to take part.
Choosing not to participate will not affect a student’s studies, access to support services, or relationship with the university.
Participants may also withdraw from the research at any time without giving a reason.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Protecting participants’ privacy is an important part of this research.
Information about learning experiences, disability status, or academic support is entirely voluntary and self-reported. Participants are not required to disclose personal information unless they choose to do so.
When research findings are shared in reports, presentations, or academic publications, participants will not be identified. Identifying details will be removed or replaced where necessary to protect confidentiality.
Data Protection and Handling
The research follows UK data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Research data may include workshop reflections, creative materials, optional interview responses, and feedback collected through surveys.
To protect participants:
- personal information will be kept confidential
- research data will be stored securely using university-approved systems
- identifying information will be removed or anonymised where possible
- access to research data will be limited to the researcher and authorised academic supervisors
Research data will be used only for academic research purposes, including doctoral research, academic publications, and conference presentations.
Data Retention
Identifiable research data will be securely deleted within 90 days after the completion of the research project.
Where possible, identifying information will be removed before long-term storage. Anonymised research data may be retained for up to 10 years in accordance with university research data policies. This allows the research to be reviewed, verified, or used in future academic work.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about the research, you are welcome to contact the researcher before deciding whether to take part.
Charlie Kwong
PhD Researcher