We are researchers at the University at Albany, in the Department of Psychology. We are planning to conduct a research study, which we now invite you to take part in. This form has important information about the reason for doing this study, what we will ask you to do if you decide to be in this study, and the way we would like to use information about you if you choose to be in the study.

Why are you doing this study?

You are being asked to participate in a research study about how people remember words. The purpose of the study is to study the way that words are represented in memory. Your participation will help us better understand how this process takes place.

What will I do if I choose to be in this study?

You will study words and be tested on your ability to remember them. You will also answer some questions about yourself and share basic demographic information (e.g., age, sex, etc.).

Study time

Study participation will take place at a time of your choosing. Once you begin, you will need to complete our survey in one sitting. Participation will take approximately 30 minutes.

Study location

All study procedures will take place online.

What are the possible risks or discomforts?

To the best of our knowledge, there are no risks associated with participation in this study. As with all research, there is a chance that confidentiality of the information we collect from you could be breached – we will take steps to minimize this risk, as discussed in more detail below in this form.

What are the possible benefits for me or others?

You are not likely to have any direct benefit from being in this research study. This study is designed to learn more about human memory. Therefore, the study results may be used to help other people in the future.

How will you protect the information you collect about me, and how will that information be shared?

Results of this study may be used in publications and presentations. Your study data will be handled as confidentially as possible. If results of this study are published or presented, individual names and other personally identifiable information will not be used.

To minimize the risks to confidentiality, we will not collect any information that might link your identity with your responses. The data we collect will be stored in a password-protected hard-drive, which will only be accessible to the PI and Co-PI on this study.

Your response data may be shared for use in future research studies or with other researchers, however, no information that could identify you personally will be shared.

Financial Information

Participation in this study will involve no cost to you. You will receive 0.5 credits in exchange for your participation.

What are my rights as a research participant?

Participation in this study is voluntary. You do not have to answer any question you do not want to answer. If at any time you would like to stop participating, you are free to do so. You may withdraw from this study at any time, and you will not be penalized in any way for deciding to stop participation.

What if I am a UAlbany student or employee?

You may choose not to participate or to stop participating in this research at any time. This will not affect your class standing, grades, employment, or any other aspects of your relationship with UAlbany.

Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns about this research study?

If you have questions after participation in this study, you may contact the researchers at ngillespie@albany.edu (PI).

Consent

I have read this form and the research study has been explained to me. I have been given the opportunity to ask questions and my questions have been answered. If I have additional questions, I have been told whom to contact. I agree to participate in the research study described above and will receive a copy of this consent form.