31 August 2007

GEOS347 Research Applications in Human Geography

This letter introduces , a student studying under my

supervision in GEOS347 Research Applications in Human Geography at Macquarie University.
This unit provides practical training in field-based research methods which requires supervised
research on aspects of an overall class project.

The student is seeking your cooperation as part of this research which will form the basis of their
major project assignment. The group research topic is: Managing Heritage Sites in the Parramatta
River Area (Upper Estuary) and this student’s individual research is focused on Elizabeth Farm.
The students are working in small groups and seek your cooperation in an interview to
supplement literature-based research to gain information for their project. We would be grateful
for any assistance you are able to provide. If you decide you can help the student, you will be
asked to participate in a brief interview about the topic.

The study is being conducted under my coordination and the direct supervision of staff in the
Department of Human Geography. You are most welcome to contact me to confirm the student’s
bona fides or for further information about the exercise. I can be contacted at the Department of
Human Geography by phone: (02) 9850 8392, fax: (02) 9850 6052 or e-mail:
rfagan@els.mq.edu.au.

Information provided by you to the student will be treated as confidential and not be used for any
other purpose than preparing a research report for assessment in this unit. Information will not be
retained after the student’s assessment is finalised. No personal information will be gathered in
the field interviews, and you will be referred to by your position or role in the final reports.
Students will be required to take notes during any face-to-face or other interview and a copy of
these notes can be provided on request.

If you decide to assist the student by participating in an interview, you are free to withdraw at any
time without having to give a reason and without consequence.

The ethical aspects of this study have been approved by the Macquarie University Ethics Review
Committee (Human Research). If you have any complaints or reservations about any ethical
aspect of your participation in this research, you may contact the Ethics Review Committee
through its Secretary (telephone 9850 7854; email kokila.desilva@mq.edu.au). Any complaint
you make will be treated in confidence and investigated, and you will be informed of the
outcome.

Thank you for your assistance.

Yours sincerely

Bob Fagan
Professor of Human Geography

Department of Human Geography, Macquarie University, NSW 2109