Informed Consent
Protocol Title: Effectiveness of an Online Graduate Preparation
Program
Please read this consent document carefully before you decide to participate in this study.
Purpose of the research study:
The purpose of this study is to examine the validity and effectiveness of an online graduate preparation program titled “The Virtual Advisor”on psychology undergraduates.
What you will be asked to do in the study:
You will be asked complete a number of questionnaires in relation to graduate preparation knowledge and career clarity. You will be randomly assigned to one of three groups (treatment, wait-list control, instructional wait-list control). Each group will get access free of charge to The Virtual Advisor for three weeks. All participants will also be asked to complete the same questionnaires at a three week follow up. One group will get immediate access to the program while the other two groups will get access in three weeks time upon completion of the post-test questionnaires.
Time required:
Thirty minutes or less for the questionnaires and approximately eight hours (over a three week period) for reviewing The Virtual Advisor.
Risks and Benefits:
There are no anticipated risks. Free access to The Virtual Advisor can be beneficial for you as it offers guidance and assistance through the graduate preparation process.
Compensation:
There is no financial compensation other than free access to The Virtual Advisor for participating in this research.
Confidentiality:
Your identity will be kept confidential to the extent provided by law. Your information will be assigned a code number, and your name will not be collected, but we will ask for your email address. We are asking for your email address for the SOLE purpose of contacting you to follow up on your graduate school preparation and admission. You will be contacted by email in three weeks to complete the post-test. Your email will be kept confidential and will not be released.
Voluntary participation:
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. There is no penalty for not participating.
Right to withdraw from the study:
You have the right to withdraw from the study at anytime without consequence.
Whom to contact if you have questions about the study:
Brittany Brucato, M.S., Doctoral Student, Department of Psychology; P.O. Box 112250; University of Florida; Gainesville, FL 32611-2250; bbrucato@ufl.edu; PH: (352) 273-2115.
Greg Neimeyer, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychology; P.O. Box 112250; University of Florida; Gainesville, FL 32611-2250; neimeyer@ufl.edu; PH: (352) 273-2161.
Whom to contact about your rights as a research participant in the study:
UFIRB Office, Box 112250, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-2250; PH: 392-0433.
Agreement:
I have read the procedure described above. By selecting the link below, I voluntarily agree to participate in the procedure, and I can print this page if I wish to receive a copy of this description.