Title: Mental Health Stigma: International Survey - Study Two
Investigators: Tor Gar and Dr. Esther Malm, Dept. of Psychology, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, +1 (270) 809-6360
You are being invited to participate in a research study conducted through Murray State University. In order to comply with US federal regulations, if you choose to participate in this study, your informed agreement to participate in this study is necessary. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate. A basic explanation of the study is written below and you can contact the faculty mentor (details below) if you have any questions or concerns about this study. If after reviewing the information provided you wish to participate, please check “yes” at the bottom of this page.
Nature and Purpose of the Project: We are interested in examining individuals’ knowledge and experience with mental health disorders. In order to reach this aim, we are asking you to fill out a series of questionnaires. The study will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Explanation of Procedures: You will begin by answering some basic demographic questions. This will be followed by questions about your experience with mental health and causes.
Discomforts and Risks: The risks to you as a participant are minimal. Some of the questions are of a personal nature (i.e., discrimination and prejudice toward individuals with mental health disorders) and you may feel uncomfortable answering these questions. Please know that you can choose to skip any questions that you do not want to answer, and can withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. Also remember that no one will be able to connect your answers back to you. Please feel comfortable to answer honestly, as your answers are completely anonymous.
To protect participants, all data will be collected anonymously, which means that computer/browser information, location (i.e. IP addresses), and date/time of survey submissions will not be recorded. Participants will be recruited through social media, but then re-directed to a secure online survey website. The only individuals who will have access to the data are members of the research team, and no personal identifiers (i.e., name or e-mail address) will ever be stored in or linked to the primary survey database. Personal identifiers stored in the secondary survey database (i.e. names and e-mail addresses) will be destroyed after data collection is complete.
Benefits: There are no direct individual benefits to you beyond the opportunity to learn first-hand what it is like to participate in a research study and to learn about some of the methods involved in psychological research. A general benefit is that you will add to knowledge of this research area.
Required Statement on Internet Research: All responses from online participants will be treated confidentially and stored on a secure server. However, we are unable to guarantee the security of the computer /mobile device on which you choose to enter your responses. Information (or data) you enter, and websites you visit online can be tracked, captured, corrupted, lost, or otherwise misused.
Refusal/Withdrawal: You do not have to take part in this study and may withdraw from the study at any time without penalty or prejudice. If you start the study and decide that you do not want to finish, all you have to do is close the survey. Whether or not you choose to participate or to withdraw will not affect your current or future standing with the Department of Psychology or with the University. It will also not cause you to lose any benefits to which you are entitled. Earned experimental inducements will be granted at the end of the study.
By checking “Yes”, I acknowledge that the risks and benefits involved and the need for the research have been fully explained to me; that I have been informed that I may withdraw from participation at any time without prejudice or penalty; and the investigator has offered to answer any inquiries that I may make concerning the procedures to be followed or my rights as a participant, and has answered to my satisfaction any questions that I have. I voluntarily consent to participate in this research project. If you do not wish to participate or are not eligible to participate in this study please close this page.
This project has been reviewed and approved by the Murray State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Subjects. If you have any questions about your rights as a research participant, you should contact the MSU IRB Coordinator at (270) 809-2916 or msu.irb@murraystate.edu. Any questions about the conduct of this research project should be brought to the attention of the researchers at surveyinfo2018@gmail.com.
