Informed Consent
IRB Study Number: 21X044
Principle Investigator (PI): Madison Laks, M.A., Graduate Student. Email: mlaks@albany.edu
Co-Principle Investigator (Co-PI): Heather Sheridan, Ph.D., Associate Professor. Email: hsheridan@albany.edu
Madison Laks and Dr. Heather Sheridan from the University at Albany Department of Psychology are inviting you to take part in this study investigating proofreading and spelling. This form has important information about the reasons for doing this study, what we will ask you to do, and the way we would like to use any information about you that we collect.
Why are you doing this study? The information from this study will inform future projects examining reading processes and how these processes differ as a function of individual differences (e.g., vocabulary ability, memory span, dyslexia).
What will I do if I choose to be in this study? For this study, you will complete a same-different task. During this task, you will see pairs of words, and you will decide if the two words presented are the same as or different from each other. You will make these judgments by pressing keys on your keyboard, and you will be asked to respond as quicky and accurately as possible. After the study, you may be asked to answer a few brief questions about your experiences during the study.
How long will I participate? This experiment will require no more than 1 hour of your time, and you will receive 1 research credit for your participation.
What are the possible risks or discomforts? We do not anticipate any risk in your participation other than what is typical in a classroom setting. The methods and materials have been carefully chosen to reduce any discomfort or risk.
What are the possible benefits for me or others? The benefits associated with this experiment include the opportunity to experience the experimental process and engage in actual research conditions. In addition, others may ultimately benefit from the knowledge obtained from this research.
How will you protect the information you collect about me, and how will that information be shared? Your name will not be associated with any of the data that will be collected during the study. To protect your confidentiality, the files with your data will be kept locked in the laboratory, and on password-protected computers. Your data may be disseminated to others via professional publications in academic journals or presentations, and/or raw data sharing on data repositories, such as the Open Science Framework (OSF), but your identity and any link between your answers and your identity will not be reported and will remain confidential. In addition, the Institutional Review Board, the sponsor of the study (e.g., NIH, FDA, etc.) and University or government officials responsible for monitoring this study may inspect the records.
Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns about this research study? If you have any questions about the research study, Madison Laks can be reached at mlaks@albany.edu, and Heather Sheridan can be reached at hsheridan@albany.edu. Research at the University Albany involving human participants is carried out under the oversight of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). This research has been reviewed and approved by the IRB. If you have any questions about your rights as a participant in this research, you can contact the following office at the University at Albany: Institutional Review Board University at Albany Office of Regulatory and Research Compliance 1400 Washington Ave, ES 244 Albany, NY 12222 Phone: 1-866-857-5459 Email: rco@albany.edu
What are my rights as a research participant? Your participation in this project is voluntary. Even if you agree to participate in the research or sign the informed consent document, you may decide to exit the study at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you may have otherwise been entitled.
What if I am a University at Albany 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 the University at Albany.
I have read, or been informed of, the information about this study. I hereby consent to participate in the study. By agreeing below, you are providing your consent to participate in this study.