TITLE OF RESEARCH: New Jersey Opinions on Offshore wind
NOTE LINK TO THE SURVEY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Principal Investigator: Sean Duffy, Ph.D.
This online consent form is part of an informed consent process for research , and it will provide information that will help you decide whether you want to take part in the research. It is your choice whether to take part or not. Ask questions if there is anything in the form that is not clear to you. If you decide to take part, instructions at the end of the document will tell you what to do next. Your alternative to taking part in the research is not to take part in it.
Who is conducting this research and what is it about?
You are being asked to take part in research conducted by Sean Duffy, Ph.D. who is a professor in the Dept. of Psychology at Rutgers Camden. The purpose of this research is to understand what people in New Jersey think about environmental issues and specifically offshore wind projects. We anticipate 300 participants will take part in the research.
What will I be asked to do if I take part?
If you agree to take part in this research, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of a series of individual questions. The questionnaire will take about 30 minutes to complete it.
What are the risks and/or discomforts I might experience if I take part in the research?
Breach of confidentiality is a risk of harm but a data security plan is in place to minimize such a risk. Also, some questions may make you feel uncomfortable. If that happens, you can skip those questions or withdraw from the research altogether. If you decide to quit at any time before you have finished the questionnaire your answers will NOT be recorded.
Are there any benefits to me if I choose to take part in this research?
It is possible that there are no direct benefits to you for taking part in this research. You will be contributing to knowledge about how people think about environmental issues and renewable energy technology.
Will I receive credit to take part in this research?
You will receive course credit (1 hour) for your participation.
How will information about me be kept private or confidential?
All efforts will be made to keep your responses confidential, but total confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
We will use the online data collection application Qualtrics to collect and forward your responses to us. We will not receive any information that can identify you or other participants. We will download your responses to a secure file that requires a password to access. Only research staff will have access to the password. At no point will we ask for your name or identity.
Once the data is collected, there is no plan to delete the responses. We plan to study the data for some time. However, we will not have any identifiable information about you and there will be no attempt to connect you with your data. No information that can identify you will appear in any professional presentation or publication.
What will happen to information I provide in the research after the research is over?
Responses may be used or distributed to investigators for other research without obtaining additional informed consent from you.
What will happen if I do not want to take part or decide later not to stay in the research?
Your participation is voluntary. If you choose to take part now, you may change your mind and withdraw later. In addition, you can choose to skip questions that you do not wish to answer. If you do not click on the ‘submit’ button after completing the form, your responses will not be recorded. However, once you click the ‘submit’ button at the end of the form, your responses cannot be withdrawn as we will not know which ones yours are.
Who can I call if I have questions?
If you have questions about taking part in this research, you can contact the Principal Investigator: Sean Duffy, Rutgers Camden Department of Psychology, 311 North 5th Street Camden NJ 08102. Phone: 215 805-4327.
If you have questions, concerns, problems, information or input about the research or would like to know your rights as a research participant, you can contact the Rutgers IRB/Human Research Protection Program via phone at (973) 972-3608 or (732) 235-9806 OR via email irboffice@research.rutgers.edu, or you can write us at 335 George Street, Liberty Plaza Suite 3200, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.
Please print out this consent form if you would like a copy of it for your files.
If you do not wish to take part in the research, close this website address. If you wish take part in the research, follow the directions below:
By beginning this research, I acknowledge that I am 18 years of age or older and have read and understand the information. I agree to take part in the research, with the knowledge that I am free to withdraw my participation in the research without penalty. Click on the “I agree” link that will take you to the questionnaire. If you do not wish to participate, please hit the “I do not agree” button which will bring you back to the Prolific website.