Informed Consent
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
The following study has been approved by the institutional review board of Georgia Southern University.
Office of Research Services and Sponsored Programs
P.O. Box 8005
Statesboro, GA 30460
Phone: (912) 478-0843/5465
Fax: (912)478-0719
1. My name is Kareem Al-Khalil and I am a graduate student of the Experimental Psychology program at Georgia Southern University. Under the direction of Mike Nielsen Ph.D, I am conducting the following research to receive graduate credit and to investigate influential factors on human cloning beliefs.
2. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between various social attitudes.
3. Procedures to be followed: Participants will be administered two surveys measuring influential factors to human cloning and stem cell research. Subjects will then complete a questionnaire regarding their views on human cloning and stem cell research.
4. Discomforts and Risks: Individuals will not be placed at risk beyond that which normally occurs in an office or classroom setting. Furthermore, participants may withdraw from the survey anytime if they wish to do so. Withdrawing from the survey will not result in any penalty.
5. Benefits: Participants will benefit in three primary ways: (1) they will have the opportunity for self-reflection and insight as they consider their own views on the issues surrounding human cloning; (2) they will learn about the nature of social-psychological research, and have the opportunity to ask questions about this method of inquiry; and (3) they will be provided with a summary of the results of the research, upon request.
6. Society will benefit from this study by the prospect of a better understanding of the dimensions on which attitudes regarding human cloning vary. Statistical techniques will be used to develop a sense of the various ways that these attitudes differ. This will be useful in developing comparisons with other moral issues. Furthermore, by examining the relationships of psychological dimensions with attitudes about human cloning and stem cell research, scientists, ethicists, politicians and others may gain an improved understanding of people’s views regarding the intersection of technology and moral issues. As questions arise about the moral implications of technological advances, it is important that discussion of these issues be informed by scientific research. The present study is a step toward this goal.
7. Duration/Time: Approximately 45 minutes
8. Statement of Confidentiality: Results from this study will remain anonymous and will not in anyway be associated with participants’ contact information. Furthermore, data analysis will not involve any individually identifiable responses; participants’ names will not be asked, and email addresses will only be requested, and kept separate from data analysis, of those participants asking for their result.
9. Right to Ask Questions: Participants have the right to ask questions and have those questions answered. If you have questions about this study, please contact the researcher named above or the researcher’s faculty advisor, whose contact information is located at the end of the informed consent. For questions concerning your rights as a research participant, contact Georgia Southern University Office of Research Services and Sponsored Programs at 912-478-0843.
10. Compensation: If you are enrolled in Introductory Psychology, your participation in this study will fulfill one hour of your “Research Requirement” assignment in Introductory Psychology (Please see the handout provided in your class for details regarding this assignment). If you have met the criteria of that assignment, then your participation in this study will provide you with one unit of extra credit towards your grade in Introductory Psychology. You will have other opportunities to fulfill this course requirement if you choose not to participate in this study by participation in another study or completing an alternative assignment.
11. Voluntary Participation: Participation in this study is completely optional and participants may withdraw from the study at any time.
12. Penalty: There is no penalty for deciding not to participate in the study. You may decide at any time that you don’t want to participate further and you may withdraw without penalty or retribution. If you withdraw or choose not to participate in the study, you will still receive course credit or extra credit, as applicable.
13. You must be 18 years of age or older to consent to participate in this research study. These surveys are anonymous; however, you should be aware that the nature of the internet does not guarantee complete anonymity and your answers may be seen and attributed directly to you. Do not sign or return this informed consent. It is for your records only. The return of this questionnaire implies that you agree to participate. If you consent to participate in this research study and to the terms above, please click on the link below.
Please click next to complete the survey.
Title of Project: Assessing the Intersection of Technology and Moral Issues
Principal Investigator: (Kareem Al-Khalil, 17931 GA Hwy 67 S Apt 2503 Statesboro, GA 30458, 912-655-7891, kalkhal@gmail.com)
Faculty Advisor: (Mike Nielsen Ph.D, Department of Psychology PO Box 8041 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA 30460-8041, and mnielsen@georgiasouthern.edu)
