INFORMATION SHEET: SONGWRITING, HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
THIS IS A STUDY FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER WRITTEN A SONG BEFORE BUT WOULD LIKE TO TAKE IT UP
(If you already write songs please go back to www.DoctorNick.org and click on the link for the study for Experienced Songwriters)
My name is Dr Nick Troop. I am a Psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire undertaking a study into the effects of songwriting on health and wellbeing.
For ethical reasons the study can only include participants who are 16 and over.
If you agree to take part you will be asked to complete a few questionnaires measuring various aspects of social, physical and psychological wellbeing. There are 8 questionnaires in total (most of them are quite short) and so completing them should take about 30 minutes. However, with your permission, we would also like to contact you at 6 monthly intervals over the next 2 years to follow your progress.
We would also like to see samples of your song lyrics as you develop your songwriting. Please be assured that this is purely for the purposes of analysing the text and there will be no infringement of your copyright. No lyrics will be reproduced in any articles or publications without the explicit consent of their author. If you prefer not to submit your lyrics for analysis you may still participate by completing the other questionnaires. However, if you do submit your lyrics for analysis, please be aware that due to the size of the study it will not be possible to individually review each lyric or to give personalised feedback.
Results of the study will be sent to all participants in summary form at the end of study.
Any data you provide during this study will remain both confidential and anonymous and will be used only for the purposes outlined here.
You may use the email address below should any queries or concerns arise now or in the future.
Please note that any information you supply during this study will only be used for the purposes outlined here. Participation in the study is voluntary and you may withdraw your assistance at any time if you wish and without explanation.
Thank you for your participation.
Dr Nick Troop
Psychology of Performing Arts Lab, School of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, Herts AL10 9AB. Email n.a.troop@herts.ac.uk
This study has been approved by the School of Psychology Ethics Committee
Registration Protocol Number: PSY/08/09/NT