Research team contacts

Associate Researcher:

Adjunct Professor Teresa Senserrick, Tier 2 Research Centre - Health (U94), QUT

Dr Tracy Washington, School of Architecture & Built Environment, QUT

Research Student:

Shafina Shafiq, School of Psychology and Councelling, QUT

Research Centre / Group:

CARRS-Q

What is the purpose of this research?

The overall purpose of the research is to learn more about the role that parents play in children’s travel to and from school in Australia and New Zealand.

Are you looking for people like me?

You are invited to participate in this research project if you:

  • are aged 25-55
  • are a parent of school children
  • have children living within 5km of their school
  • are comfortable speaking English.

What will you ask me to do?

Your participation will involve a short survey answered individually online and after 1-2 weeks or up to 3 weeks, followed by an audio-video recorded focus group online, through a Teams meeting or other agreed platform with up to 4-5 other participants that will take approximately 1 hour.

In instances where you are the only parent/guardian to join the online meeting, you will have the choice to have a one-on-one interview instead.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are minimal risks associated with your participation in this project, and those risks will be managed and mitigated. The minimal risks may include an awareness that some of the parent’s sharing of an intense event can create discomfort in the group session when answering questions relating to their children’s active travel to school. Particularly from those parents who have experienced extreme events or know of someone who has experienced something which posed a risk to the child. If any unpleasant incidents are described, the facilitator will monitor/intervene in the group discussion.

QUT provides for limited free psychology, family therapy or counselling services (face-to-face only) for research participants of QUT research projects who may experience discomfort or distress as a result of their participation in the research. Should you wish to access this service call the clinic receptionist on 07 3138 0999 (Monday–Friday only 9am–5pm), QUT Psychology and Counselling Clinic, 44 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, and indicate that you are a research participant. Alternatively, Lifeline provides access to online, phone or face-to-face support, call 13 11 14 for 24-hour telephone crisis support.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

Participation in this research is not expected to benefit you directly. However, it may contribute to a wider understanding and improvement of children’s school travel in Australasia.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To recognize your contribution, we will send a $40 electronic gift voucher after the completion of focus groups.

A summary of the results will be available in the future on Shafina Shafiq's page.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Read the participant information sheet and complete the online survey.

Download the participant information sheet (DOCX file, 30.7 KB)

Take the survey

QUT Ethics Number: 7498