Research Title: More than a joke: humour in times of
dictatorships (MENTOR)
Principal Investigator: Professor Yannis Skarpelos, Professor, Department of Communication, Media and Culture,
Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences
Funding Body: European Commission
This document provides
information about the study to help you make an informed decision about whether
or not to participate.
The purpose of this project is to educate selected
groups of the public about the importance of preserving democracy and
fundamental rights by drawing lessons from authoritarian and totalitarian
regimes. It promotes a comparative approach to how humor was used during
various European dictatorships. Through analyzing these small acts of freedom
in times of oppression, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the value of
fundamental rights that underpin the EU.
2.
Who can participate in the RESEARCH?
Any citizen of a European Union
member state.
3.
How will I participate in the RESEARCH? What will I be asked to do?
You are
invited to participate by completing an anonymous questionnaire. The questions
concern personal or family experiences during periods of dictatorship,
perceptions about freedom of speech, and the role and limits of humor in such
periods and in democratic times. At the end, you may optionally provide
your name and email if you wish to contribute further to the project (e.g., by
attending events, volunteering, or submitting materials).
4.
Are there any benefits to my participation?
There are no direct, tangible benefits for you. However, your contribution
is valuable as it will help us study and publicize, possibly for the first
time, the role of humor in resisting dictatorship and authoritarian regimes.
5.
Are there any risks involved?
There are no risks involved apart from the time you will spend completing
the questionnaire.
Participation is completely voluntary. You may refuse without explanation.
If you agree to participate, please read this form carefully, and click the consent box where indicated.
7.
How will my privacy be protected?
All
data collected will be completely anonymous. You cannot be identified from your
responses. If you choose to provide your contact information, it will be stored
separately in a different file (separate from the questionnaire responses).
Responsible for data management is the Principal Investigator, Professor Yannis Skarpelos (gskarp@panteion.gr). Files containing your data (where appropriate),
answers,
or any codes will be stored in a locked drawer in his office.
Electronic
files with identifiable information (if you
decide to provide such information) will be password-protected. Only the research team
will have access.
Research
findings will be used for scientific publications, conference presentations,
and a 2026 exhibition. Results will be reported in aggregate or summary form.
Your identity will never be revealed.
The study
is funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV)
of the European Commission.
9. Who has approved this research?
The study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Panteion University.
For more information, contact: Professor Yannis Skarpelos, Department of Communication, Media and Culture,
Panteion University Email: gskarp@panteion.gr
11.
Where can I file complaints or concerns?
• For complaints about
the study: contact the Research Ethics Committee at Panteion
University – ehde@panteion.gr
• For complaints about
data handling: contact the Data Protection Officer – dpo@panteion.gr
