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Information and Privacy
My name is Matthew Kerr and I am currently completing
my doctoral dissertation under the supervision of
Dr. Valerie Whiffen at the University of Ottawa. My
research is focused on trying to understand some of
the factors that link relationship dissatisfaction
and negative mood in cohabitating couples. To do this,
I am looking at the ways that couples ask for and
receive support from one another. The purpose of the
present study is to collect some important information
from couples on these behaviours, relationship satisfaction
and mood.
To participate, you will provide some basic demographic
information and complete several questionnaires online.
You will be given a website login, which your spouse/partner
will also use to independently complete these measures.
We ask that your partner complete the questionnaires
within a week of your doing so. You and your partner
will be asked to complete measures three times over
three months. You will need to provide an email address
so that you can be notified when it is time to complete
each round of questionnaires. Each set of questionnaires
will take you about twenty minutes to complete.
Every time you and your partner complete a set of
questionnaires, your name will be entered into a draw
for one of two $250CAD gift certificates at the on-line
store of your choice. Full participation in the study
at each time point will result in odds of winning
that is no less than 2 in 250. You will be asked to
provide an email address so that we can notify you
if you win.
What you have to do to participate
To participate in the study please complete the questionnaires
as honestly as you can.
Important
It is important that you complete your questionnaires
as honestly as possible. Answer the questions in private
so that you are not influenced by the potential reactions
of others. There are no right or wrong answers, and
we encourage you not to think about the questions
too long. Usually, the first thing you think of is
the best answer for you.
The Study is ANONYMOUS, and CONFIDENTIAL.
Study data will be accessed and used only by the researchers
and will not be shared with outside parties. As identifying
information will not be collected (aside from providing
an email address for login and prize draw entry) study
data will not be linked with any identifying information,
nor will any identifying information appear in any
publication or report that may arise from this research.
Study data will be kept by researchers in password
protected files for ten years, after which time it
will be destroyed.
Participation in this study is completely VOLUNTARY.
You have the right to withdraw from the study at any
time. You may leave blank any question that you feel
uncomfortable answering or may discontinue your participation
at any time. Some of the questions are of a personal
nature and ask about how you interact with your spouse/partner
and about your approach to relationships in general.
There is a small risk that answering these questionnaires
may arouse some negative feelings. If this occurs
you are encouraged to discuss your reaction with your
spouse/partner and/or someone else that you trust.
You will be contributing to research on the important
link between relationship problems and depression.
Clicking on the link below indicates that you understand
what your participation in the study involves and
what your rights are with respect to participation.
Questions or Comments?
This study has been approved by the Research Ethics
Board at the University of Ottawa.
Should you have any concerns about the ethical conduct
of the project, they may be addressed to the Social
Sciences and Humanities Research Ethics Board at the
University of Ottawa, Office of Ethics at the University
of Ottawa, Tabaret Hall (159), Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5,
(613) 562-5841, ethics@uottawa.ca
If you have any questions or concerns about the
study, please feel free to contact Dr. Whiffen or
I at:
Begin the Questionnaires!
To
begin the questionnaires click here.
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