You are being invited to take part in a study which investigates the interaction of physical activity within nature. This participant information sheet will provide you with detailed information about this study and what will be asked of you. Please read carefully the following information and if any information is unclear, please feel free to ask as many questions as you need. Thank you for taking the time to consider this invitation.
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH STUDY
I am a completing my doctoral studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Limerick. The purpose of this study is to help the Investigator to explore and assess participants' attitudes of physical activity within nature. There is very limited research in this area and findings from this study may aid in developing a program to increase the proportion of people who are healthy at all stages of life.
PARTICIPANTS EXPERIENCE
As this study is investigating physical activity in the outdoors, we have chosen participants whom take take part in sporting groups, clubs or societies whose sports is predominantly outdoors. Participants are invited to describe their perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards physical activity within nature.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
If you chose not to take part in this study, you can decline the invitation. If you agree to take part in this study, you will complete a consent form and will receive a full debriefing of the study. Participation in this study is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time without having to provide a reason.
TIME COMMITMENT
Participation in this study requires the participant to complete a number of questionnaires. These short questionnaires should take approximately between 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
BENEFITS
This study may make you more aware of how knowledge is discovered in psychology and help the Investigator to explore methods which will aid in understanding the participant’s attitudes and beliefs and effects that physical activity in nature may provide.
NEW INFORMATION
Participants will be fully informed and debriefed on any changes to the outline of the study. Participants can withdraw from the study at any time without providing a reason.
END OF STUDY
If participants need any questions answered or have queries about the study, feel free to contact the researcher or principal investigator, all contact details are provided below.
RISKS
There are no known risks associated with this study. If you should at any time find yourself upset or uncomfortable, you may withdraw from the study at any time. Complaints or queries are handled very seriously. If you would like to make a complaint or have a query regarding the study, please do not hesitate in contacting the individuals outlined in the Contact Information section of this handout.
RESULTS OF THIS STUDY
This study is carried out as part of a doctoral study in Sport and Exercise psychology from the University of Limerick and funded by the Irish Research Council. The results of this study aim to provide a clearer scientific understanding of the mechanisms underlying physical activity within the environment.
CONFIDENTIALITY/ANONYMITY
1. We will not collect any information that could identify you as a person, but we do ask you to report demographic information such as your age.
2. Your signed consent form will be given an identification number that cannot be linked to your name.
3.Comments used in the project will be anonymous and will not identify the individual.
4. Data will be held securely and in confidence for six years any identifiers will be removed prior to publication as required under Data Protection legislation.