This research has been approved by the Ethics Commitee (known as IRB, ref: 932) of the School of Psychology, University of Southampton.
Before deciding whether to take part in this study, please read the following information. You will need to indicate that you have understood this information before you can continue. Also, you must not be a legal minor - that is, you may participate if you are over the age of 16 (or over 18 if you live in the USA). By checking the box at the bottom of this page and clicking 'Continue', you are consenting to participate in this study.
Investigators
Dr Erica Hepper and Kenny Brackstone.
Centre for Research on Self and Identity (CRSI), School of Psychology, University of Southampton, England.
What is this study about, and what's involved?
We are requesting your participation in an online survey. The purpose of this study is to understand more about relationship experiences. You will firstly be asked to bring to mind a close other who you have known for at least 2 years. You will then be asked to recall a relationship experience with this person and to answer some questions about it. This study will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
You should complete the study when you are alone at your computer and your responses cannot be overseen. Please remember that there are no right or wrong answers - so feel free to provide completely open and honest responses.
Risks and Benefits
There are no significant risks to participation in this study. There is a possibility that some participants may experience mild discomfort when recalling a relationship experience. However, you are free to leave any questions blank if you wish.
You may benefit from participating because at the end you will learn about our specific research aims, as well as what scientists currently know about close relationships. You will be told where to go for more information on this area of psychology. In addition, you will contribute to psychological science and our understanding of close relationships.
Anonymity
Your participation in this study is anonymous. All data are treated as confidential. Participants should be aware that the study is not run using a secure (https) server, so there is a small possibility that data could be accessed by unauthorised third parties. However, the data would appear only as a string of numbers, so your responses will remain totally anonymous.
Contact
You may contact Erica Hepper if you have any questions or concerns about the study on E.Hepper@soton.ac.uk.
Legal Stuff and Consent
Participation in this study is fully voluntary and you have the right to withdraw at any time with no penality.
In consenting, I understand that I am not waiving any legal claims, rights, or remedies. I also understand that data collected as part of this research project will be kept confidential and that published results will remain that confidentiality. I finally understand that if I have any questions about my rights as a participant in this research, or if I feel I have been placed at risk, I may contact the chair of the Ethics Committee, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK. Phone: +44 (0)23 8059 5578.
I certify that I am 16 years or older, or if I am participating in the USA, that I am 18 years or older. I have read the above consent form and I give consent to participate in the above described research.
