Implied Informed Consent Form for Social Science Research
The Pennsylvania State University – Psychology Subject Pool
Title of Project: College Students’ Intimate Relationships
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kim S. Ménard, Penn State Altoona
101H Cypress Building, Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 940-3320; kmm157@psu.edu
1. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research study is to explore how college students develop including how they understand the relationships with family, friends and romantic partners in their lives.
2. Procedures to be followed: You will be asked to answer approximately 370 questions on a survey.
3. Discomforts and Risks: There are no risks in participating in this research beyond those experienced in everyday life. Some of the questions are personal and might cause discomfort. If you experience discomfort and need assistance you may contact Dr. Aaron Pincus at (814) 863-1723 or one of the following resources: Center for Counseling and Psychological Services at (814) 863-0395, The Pennsylvania State University's Psychological Clinic at (814) 865-2191, or Child, Adult, & Family Psychological Services at (814) 234-3010.
4. Benefits: You might learn more about yourself by participating in this study. You might have a better understanding of how important relationships are to you. This research might provide a better understanding of how relationships affect college students. This information could help plan programs and make student services better.
5. Duration: It will take about 95 minutes to complete the survey.
6. Statement of Confidentiality: Your confidentiality will be maintained to the degree permitted by the technology used. Specifically, no guarantees can be made regarding the interception of data sent via the Internet by any third parties. Penn State’s Office for Research Protections, the Institutional Review Board and the Office for Human Research Protections in the Department of Health and Human Services may review records related to this research study. In the event of any publication or presentation resulting from the research, no personally identifiable information will be shared because your name is in no way linked to your responses.
7. Right to Ask Questions: Please contact Dr. Kim Ménard at (814) 940-3320 with questions, complaints or concerns about this research. You can also call this number if you feel this study has harmed you. If you have any questions, concerns, problems about your rights as a research participant or would like to offer input, please contact Penn State University’s Office for Research Protections (ORP) at (814) 865-1775. The ORP cannot answer questions about research procedures. Questions about research procedures cannot be answered by the research team.
8. Payment for participation: You will receive course credit for participating as specified in the syllabus provided by your instructor. Alternative means for earning this course credit are available as specified in the syllabus.
9. Voluntary Participation: Your decision to be in this research is voluntary. You can stop at any time. You do not have to answer any questions you do not want to answer. Refusal to take part in, or withdrawing from, this study will involve no penalty or loss of benefits you would receive otherwise.
You must be a Penn State student and 18 years of age or older to take part in this research study.
Completion and return of the survey implies that you have read the information in this form and consent to take part in the research.
Please print and keep this form for your records or future reference.