Dear Colleagues:

We are conducting a research study on students’ mindset (their beliefs about their abilities), their learning behaviors, and the learning environment in music theory classes. We are seeking participants who are students currently enrolled in any level of undergraduate music theory course. Participants will complete a short online survey (approximately 5-10 minutes) at the beginning and end of this academic term. Participants who complete both surveys will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $50 Amazon gift cards.

We are writing to ask for your assistance in recruiting student participants. This will involve forwarding a standardized message from us to your students. We will also provide text for a verbal announcement that you could share in a class meeting, if you so choose. Near the end of the term, we will contact you again asking for your help in reminding your students about the end-of-term survey.

If you would be willing to advertise our study to your students, or if you have any questions, please email Benjamin Dobbs (benjamin.dobbs -at- furman.edu). Additionally, we invite you to share this study announcement with other music theory instructors.

*This study has been approved by the Furman University Institutional Review Board.*

Thank you for your consideration.

Regards,

Benjamin Dobbs, Ph.D. (Primary Investigator)
Assistant Professor of Music
Coordinator of Music Theory and Composition
Department of Music
Furman University
benjamin.dobbs -at- furman.edu
864.294.2262

Shana Southard-Dobbs, Ph.D. (Co-Investigator)
Associate Professor of Psychology
Department Of Psychological Science & Human Services
Lander University
ssoutharddobbs -at- lander.edu
864.388.8655