Cocoa Puffs Study

INVESTIGATORS AND SPONSOR
Lead Researcher: Tiffany Littleton - Department of Psychology

Study Sponsor: This study is sponsored by Texas Christian University.

PURPOSE OF STUDY
You are invited to participate in a study set up to explore first impressions.  The purpose of this research study is to better understand how people incorporate information from a photograph and use it to form opinions about others.  You are being asked to participate in the study because you are required to participate in psychological research as a requirement you’re your Introductory Psychology class or because doing so will provide you with an opportunity to receive extra-credit in one of your courses.  If you participate, you will be one of approximately 200 people in the study. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in this experiment.  

PROCEDURES
If you decide to participate, you will be asked to fill out a computer-based questionnaire that consists of three parts.  In one part, you will be asked questions about 10 photographs of women from the area.  In another part, you will be asked about your willingness to engage in a variety of social behaviors.  Lastly, you will be asked a couple of questions about yourself (age, sex, etc), and then you will be instructed to alert the research assistant that you are finished.  You are free to withdraw from the study at any time and may choose to skip any question for any reason. 

RISKS & BENEFITS
This study will take approximately 45 minutes of your time to complete.  There is minimal risk associated with this method of research, and if you choose to participate, you will gain the experience of having been a part of scientific inquiry. Additionally, others may benefit from the information gathered from this study.  Your responses will help provide a greater understanding of decisions men and women make that impact themselves, others, and society.

AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE
Upon reading this consent form, I understand that I may withdraw at any time before or during the experiment at my option.  Recognizing the importance of avoiding bias in the results of this experiment, I agree not to discuss any of the details of the procedure with other participants.  I understand that all of the research and evaluation materials will be confidentially maintained.  The means used to maintain confidentiality are:

1. My data will be given a code number for research identification, and my name will be kept anonymous. 

 

2. Data, along with consent forms, will be kept in a locked storage area.   
 

3.Only the investigators will have access to my identification data
 

I understand that if I have questions concerning the research, I can call the following persons:

Tiffany Littleton, Principal Investigator, Dept. of Psychology, 817-257-4989

Dr. Sarah Hill, Faculty Sponsor, Dept. of Psychology, 817-257-6424

Dr. Sarah Hill, Chair Human Subjects Committee, Dept. of Psychology, 817-257-6424

Janis Morey, Research and Sponsored Projects, 817-257-4877

Dr. Meena Shaw, IRB Chair, Committee on Safeguards of Human Subjects, 817 257-6871

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION

I understand that participation in this study is voluntary. I may refuse to answer any question or discontinue my involvement at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which I might otherwise be entitled.  My decision will not affect my future relationship with TCU. Filling out the information below indicates that I have read the information in this consent form and have had a chance to ask any questions I have about the study. I consent to participate and verify that I am at least 18 years of age.