WHAT IS THIS FORM?
This form is called a Consent Form. It will give you information about the study so you can make an informed decision about participation in this research. This form will describe the procedures, inclusion criteria, and risks that are associated with participation. We encourage you to take some time to think this over and ask questions now and at any other time. If you decide to participate, you will be asked to sign this form.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THIS RESEARCH STUDY THAT I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?
The goal of our research is to identify the association between daily equilibrium levels and daily anxiety levels. There is no monetary compensation for participation in this study and all participation is completely voluntary.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THIS RESEARCH STUDY?
To consent to this research study, you must be 18 years of age or older, and be experiencing moderate levels of anxiety in your day to day life.
WHAT WILL I BE ASKED TO DO AND HOW MUCH TIME WILL IT TAKE?
If you agree to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete
(1) an initial assessment today in which you will be asked to create a username for this study, and be asked some questions about you, your health, and your lifestyle, followed by
(2) a daily evening survey beginning the day after your initial assessment that includes questions about your anxiety, and daily equilibrium characteristics. This survey will take approximately 3-5 minutes to finish each day for a total of 14 days (2 weeks).
As researchers who believe deeply in the work we do, we ask that you answer all of these questions truthfully and to the very best of your ability.
WILL BEING IN THIS RESEARCH STUDY HELP ME IN ANY WAY?
Although there are no direct benefits for participating in this study, you may learn more about your experiences with equilibrium and anxiety levels during the day. We hope that this work will help in providing a better understanding of how different characteristics of equilibrium are associated with anxiety.
WHAT ARE MY RISKS OF BEING IN THIS RESEARCH STUDY?
We believe there are minimal risks associated with this research study. You may find answering some questionnaire items to be upsetting as they may remind you of things you do not want to think about. Additionally, completing this survey may be dull or inconvenient at times. Please note that as researchers, we do not provide mental health services and we will not be following up with you after this study.
HOW WILL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION BE PROTECTED?
As with any online related activity, a breach of privacy is always possible. To the best of our ability, your answers in this study will remain confidential. As an added measure of security, you will be creating a username for which you will use for the daily study.
All electronic files containing identifiable information will be password protected. Any computer hosting such files will also have password protection to prevent access by unauthorized users. Only the members of the research staff will have access to the passwords. At the conclusion of this study, the researchers may publish their findings. Information will be presented in summary format and you will not be identified in any publications or presentations.
If at any point you indicate to us that you are at imminent risk to harm yourself or another person, or a child or elderly individual is at risk for abuse, your confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, and steps may be taken to ensure the public safety as required by law (for instance, by contacting the authorities). Please note that we will not ask any questions related to this risk.
WHO CAN I TALK TO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Take as long as you like before you make a decision. We will be happy to answer any question you have about this study. If you have further questions about this project or if you have a research-related problem, you may contact us
SUBJECT STATEMENT OF VOLUNTARY CONSENT
By providing your e-signature below, you affirm
1) that you are at least 18 years of age
2) that the purpose and nature of this research have been sufficiently explained and that you have read and understood the consent form
3) that you will answer the initial assessment and all 14 daily questionnaires to the best of your ability, and
4) that you agree to participate in this 14-day research study
