What is the project - Legal notes

This work seeks to address a gap in current Egyptological learning. The project aims to study the survival of Egyptian religion and esoterica, encompassing modern alternative faiths that have a focus or emphasis on Egyptian iconography and religion.

The research attempts to understand the appeal and uses of Egypt as a focus for faith, identity and social interaction. It is the appeal of Egypt itself which is at question, rather than the practices themselves. It is not an exercise in value judgements, and does not set out to discredit alternative religions or their practitioners. The work is aimed at adults only. If you are not of the age of consent of your country, state, area etc. then you cannot consent to participate, sorry.

Who is the research being undertaken by?

The research is undertaken by P. Michael Harrison MA, of University College London, as part of the thesis to be submitted for the title of PhD in Egyptian Archaeology. The college is fully aware of the research and it is sanctioned by the department, The Institute of Archaeology, UCL. I have been involved with the study of Egypt and alternative religions for over ten years, and has undertaken formal training in ethical procedures for research involving ethnographic study.

What are my rights if I choose to participate?

Involvement is voluntary. You have the right to opt in, and opt out, at any stage. If you do opt out then any direct quotes will be removed from the study.

Can I be idenitified from this research?

Only if you want to be. All data will be partially-anonymous. That is to say that, whilst I may have contact details for you I will not ask for personally identifiable information, nor will I present any personally identifiable information in the work. The only exception to this is the use of quotes, for which I may ask permission to use a ‘web handle’ or nickname, so that it may be assigned. I may also ask for group affiliation to be identifiable in some instances, and only with the permission of the host group. If I do not ask for such permissions then you should consider your data non-group affiliated and representative only of your opinions. You are free to deny such permissions, and will not be excluded from the research even if you wish to remain completely anonymous whilst taking part. Your privacy is of highest priority.

What do I have to do?

If you choose to participate in the research I will send you further information regarding the work itself and a survey involving questions related to your faith and practices, and your perceptions of Egypt in general. Except in rare cases, all interviews and surveys will take place over the internet, by email or on your specific faith’s host website, with their permission.

What will I be asked?

You will only be asked for information that the researcher feels is relevant to the study. This may include non-identifiable sensitive information such as religious beliefs, political stance and even ethnicity, but all answers should be considered voluntary.

Where will this research appear?

The research is currently for my own records only. It should be noted that derivatives of the work, such as a completed thesis including original quotes, are occasionally published. Should this occur, no personally identifiable information will be revealed.