The Views of University Students in Relation to Having Children

Views of University Students in Relation to Having Children - Consent Form

Overview: The goal of this study is to gather information about views university students have in regard to having children and child-rearing. This study is being conducted in the hopes of gaining a better understanding of the positive views and/or concerns individuals have around having children. The primary researchers for this study are Paige Lane and Nick Dauphinee. This study is being conducted as part of a course requirement for the Research Design and Analysis course (PSYC 2023) at Acadia University.

Description of procedures and inclusion criteria: This study entails filling out a self-report survey which will then be analyzed by student researchers. The survey is expected to take no more than 10 minutes. To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years of age (17 if attending University) and younger than 41 years of age. Participants must also provide full informed consent by clicking “Next” at the end of this page.

Risks and inconveniences: This study asks participants to rate their views (both benefits and concerns) about dimensions related to having children. This will include topics such as but not limited to the commitment required to have children, barriers to having children, and fear and stress related to having children. This study will also ask for specific demographic information such as age, sex, gender identity, current relationship status, and other questions related to employment.   However, no individual data will ever be presented, so there is no risk of identification based on responses.  Participation should not result in research-related harm as individuals are simply providing their views on having children.  However, contact information for various agencies will be provided at the end of the survey should anyone inadvertently become upset following the completion of the study.

Benefits: There are no direct benefits to you in terms of completion of the study other than the knowledge that you have contributed to data investigating this topic.

Cost and economic considerations: The only cost to participants involved in this study is the 10-minute time commitment for completing the survey.

Confidentiality: This section is to confirm confidentiality of personal information for each participant will be maintained throughout the study and after the study’s completion. This study does not require your name and therefore, once you have submitted your survey responses, the information you have provided cannot be removed from the data set. Please DO NOT put your name on any portion of the survey. By not providing your name on the survey, you are protected from having any information related to your responses linked back to you in any way. Be aware, any data sent electronically or stored online may be legally accessed by domestic or foreign authorities. All data collected will be presented in a summarized format ONLY; names and individual data will NOT be presented. The only individuals with access to raw data will be the study researchers and lab instructors. 

Voluntary Participation: Participation in this study is completely voluntary. Participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any point without concern or fear of repercussion. Prior to the submission of your responses, you can withdraw from the study by simply closing the browser.  However, as mentioned above, once responses are submitted, it will not be possible for the researchers to remove your data, as there is no identifying information included with your responses.  Participation in this study does not preclude the exercise of your rights to legal recourse in the event you experience any research-related harm.

Further information: Participants are encouraged and free to pose questions related to the study at any time. Questions can be directed to either of the researchers listed below.

By clicking Next, I consent to participate in this study.

Contact information: Paige Lane 139089l@acadiau.ca and Nick Dauphine 158493d@acadiau.ca