STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK

NEW PALTZ

Informed Consent Form

Research Project Title: Perceptions of Required Parental Investment and Mating Behaviors

Glenn Geher, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator); Assistant Professor, Psychology Department; 257-3470

Purpose:

The purpose of this research is to examine psychological variables that relate to intimate relationships. Previous researchers have found many variables that relate to how people behave in relationships. The overall objective of this research is to add to that body of knowledge relating to the psychology of intimate relationships.

Procedure:

Data collection is expected to last between 20 minutes and one hour during this one session. The entire data collection process should be completed by the end of year. You will complete questionnaires that are designed to measure many variables related to how you think about yourself in intimate relationships. Each questionnaire is designed to measure a distinct aspect of relationships. You may be asked to complete a subset of the scales in the questionnaire more than once.

Risks and Benefits: The risks associated with your participation are minimal and are not in excess of those encountered in normal daily living. You will be asked some questions that are very personal. If you experience distress as a result of your participation, please contact the University Counseling Center at: 257-2920. Your anonymity is guaranteed; after you complete your questionnaires, it will not be possible for anyone to determine which questionnaire was in fact completed by yourself. Benefits to you include being able to obtain first-hand experience in psychological research. Also, if the findings of this research are interesting, the data you provide may be beneficial in adding to psychologists’ knowledge of intimate relationships.

Confidentiality: As sensitive questions will be asked in this research, you are required to sit more than one seat from each other student during the data collection process. Importantly, no identifying information (e.g., names) is to be included in the questionnaires. It is important for you to know that your data will be kept completely confidential in the following way: After completing the questionnaires, you are to put the questionnaires in a sealed manila envelope (provided). Then, when finished, you are to drop that envelope in the slit at the top of the box at the front of this room. Once your envelope is dropped into the box, it will be virtually impossible for anyone to connect you with your questionnaire. This procedure is designed to ensure that your data remain completely anonymous.

You should be aware that participation in this study is voluntary. You are free to refuse to participate or withdraw at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you have any questions regarding the procedures, please contact: Dr. Glenn Geher (Principal Investigator) at 845-257-3470.

If you have concerns or are unclear about your rights as a subject, contact the Chair of the Institutional Review Board, c/o Sponsored Funds, State University of New York at New Paltz (845) 257-3282.

The Institutional Review Board, of the State University of New York at New Paltz has determined that this research meets the criteria for human subjects according to Federal guidelines.

Consent: I have read the above statements and have been fully advised of the procedures to be used in this project. I volunteer to participate.

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Name of Participant

Signature of Participant Date