Welcome to My Survey

Title of Project: An exploratory study into gender differences of rape myths and empathy


I would like to invite you to take part in a research project. Before you decide whether to take part it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read this carefully and ask the researcher if you have any questions. Talk to others about the study if you wish. I will be collecting data about participants’ attitudes and empathy levels towards rape victims and perpetrators, but this research will not ask any questions regarding previous criminal behaviour or past experiences of rape, only attitudes and perceptions, you will never be asked to recount any previous experiences. You will have at least three days to decide if you want to take part.

What is the purpose of the study?

This study aims to focus on attitudes about rape victims and perpetrators of rape, as well as the levels of empathy surrounding both victims and perpetrators.

Why have I been invited to take part?

You have received this invitation because you have shown an interest to take part. 

Do I have to take part?

No. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want to take part in this study. You can decide not to take part or to withdraw from the study at any point until March 30th. If you wish to have your data withdrawn please contact the researcher with your participant number and your data will then not be used. If you do decide to take part you will be asked to sign a consent form.

What will happen to me if I agree to take part?

If you agree to take part you will

·         Be given a consent form to fill out, as well as the two short questionnaires

·         Complete the questionnaires in your own time (Estimated to be around 15 minutes)

·         Be given a debrief form detailing the research and any contact numbers should you feel you want to withdraw your data at a later date


Are there any disadvantages or risks to taking part?

The research contains sensitive subject matter that may affect participants, and if you have been affected by participating in the study, please contact please follow this link to the university counselling service http://www.worc.ac.uk/counselling/

 

 
Will the information I give stay confidential?

Everything you say/report is confidential unless you tell us something that indicates that you or someone else is at risk of harm. We would discuss this with you before telling anyone else. The information you give may be used for a research report, but it will not be possible to identify you from our research report or any other dissemination activities. Personal identifiable information (e.g. name and contact details) will be securely stored and kept for up to 6 months after the project ends in May and then securely disposed of. The research data (e.g. questionnaire answers) will be securely stored and may be used for further research purposes.

What will happen to the results of the research study?

 This research is being carried out as part of my Forensic Psychology Independent Study at the University of Worcester. The findings of this study will be reported as part of my dissertation and may also be published in academic journals or at conferences.

If you wish to receive a summary of the research findings please contact the researcher.  
If you would like to speak to an independent person who is not a member of the research team, please contact John-Paul Wilson at the University of Worcester, using the following details:
John-Paul Wilson
Research Manager
Graduate Research School
University of Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ
01905 542196
j.wilson@worc.ac.uk

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