Informed Consent

1) Title of Research Study: Measuring the Psychological Properties of Situations and Personality via the Internet
2) Investigator(s): Ryne Sherman, Ph.D.
3) Purpose:
The purpose of this research study is to identify the relationships amongst characteristics of situations people experience in daily life. This research is designed to gather numerous situations and personality information from individuals across the world for future analysis.
4) Procedures:
This study consists of three parts. In the first part, you will think of a situation that you experienced that is important to you. Next, you will describe, in your own words, that situation. Finally, you will rate 16 characteristics that may by relevant to the situation you described using a rating scale format. Most people take 10 minutes to complete this survey.

  • ALTERNATIVES: Your alternative is to not participate in the study.
  • INCENTIVES/PAYMENTS TO PARTICIPANTS: Your situation will be matched to three scenes from various Disney animated films. You will not be compensated for your participation.
    5) Risks:
    Because the data is collected via the Internet, we cannot ensure complete security over the information provided. However, we anticipate the possibility of this risk to be extremely low. Otherwise, there are no anticipated risks involved for taking part in this survey. There are no foreseeable risks associated with this study. Depending on how positive or negative the situation that you describe to us, it is possible that you might experience slight psychological discomfort.
    6) Benefits:
    We do not know if you will receive any direct benefits by taking part in this study. You may gain insight into the ways in which you perceive different aspects of your everyday life. However, this research will contribute to a greater understanding of the different goals in an individual’s daily life. In addition, participants who complete the survey will learn what Disney scene their situation is most similar to, which can be shared with others.
    7) Confidentiality:
    No identifying information will be collected or attached to the surveys completed. The data will be stored on a password-protected web-based repository and may only be accessed by members of the Situation Lab’s research team. There is no anticipated time frame for the deletion of this data.
    8) Voluntary Participation / Withdrawal From Study
    Your participation in this research repository is voluntary. You may refuse to participate, or withdraw from the repository at any time, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you cancel your permission after you have started in the research repository, the repository staff will stop collecting your data. However, they may need to use the information they have already collected.
    9) Contact Information:
  • If you have questions about the study, you should call or email the principal investigator, Ryne Sherman at rsherm13@fau.edu.
  • If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant, contact the Florida Atlantic University Division of Research at (561) 297-0777 or send an email to fau.research@fau.edu.
    9) Consent Statement:
    I have read or had read to me the preceding information describing this study. All my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I am 18 years of age or older and freely consent to participate. I understand that I am free to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. I have received a copy of this consent form.