Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles
Sex Trafficking Knowledge Study, 2025

Participants Bill of Rights and Informed Consent

This consent is being sought for research. Participation is voluntary.

Note: This study has been approved by the Human Subjects Committee of Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles (Approval #72-2024/2025)

As a research participant I have the right to be told:
  • what the study is trying to find out (how much the general public is aware of and understands about sex trafficking and what might be related to that, such as where people live or their personalities),
  • what will happen to me (you will answer questions about your knowledge of sex trafficking, your personality traits and opinions, and your background for 30-45 minutes),
  • of any risks (minimal – no more than watching the news),
  • discomforts (you might be uncomfortable with some of the question content), or
  • benefits (Psychology will learn more about how the general public thinks about and understands sex trafficking, and you will learn more about sex trafficking as well!), and
  • my options (participation is completely voluntary, you may skip any questions, and you may choose to stop at any time).
I also have the right to:
  • have my questions answered (contact Pam Gist, Professor at Mount Saint Mary's University, at pgist@msmu.edu),
  • refuse to participate (you may skip any questions and stop at any time; you do not have to participate at all), and
  • be free from pressure when deciding whether to participate.
You have been invited to participate in this study because we are trying to reach a wide variety of people. Although we want a wide range of people, we especially want to encourage the following types of people to participate so they will be better represented in the research:
  • Men (including all individuals who identify as male)
  • People who identify as LGBTQ+
  • People from minoritized communities (people of color, from indigenous communities, from minority religions, etc.)
However, only:
  • individuals 18 years and older
  • who currently live in the United States
  • who have NOT participated in a study of sex trafficking knowledge before
are eligible to participate.
PLEASE DO NOT participate in more than one of these studies!

This is a series of studies. We have run similar studies in the past, and we may conduct similar studies in the future. Once we have 1200 responses, we will end this current series of studies.

It does not cost you anything to participate. Our Psychology Department is paying for the study.

We will not collect identifying information (such as your name), so your answers will remain completely confidential. However, this research is carried out over the internet. All internet activities carry some measure of risk to confidentiality.

After completion of the study, the data will be made public so that other researchers can evaluate it. However, nobody will be able to identify who participated in the study or what their answers were.

If you have questions about your rights as a research participant or wish to address concerns about this research with someone other than the researcher, please reach out to Mount Saint Mary’s University, Human Subjects Committee, 10 Chester Place, Los Angeles, CA 90007 or irb@msmu.edu.

If you are triggered or upset by any of the material in this research and need to speak with someone:
  • Call 911 if it is an emergency
  • Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Text HOME to 741741
  • You can find more resources at apa.org/topics/crisis-hotlines
PLEASE do not use the Back option (arrow or button) on your Browser to return to prior questions. It may appear that you can change your answers, but any changes you make will not be recorded.

You can change answers within a page until you click the NEXT button. But once you click NEXT your answers are final.

Question Title

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