I would like to invite you to participate in this research project which forms part of my Psychology Dissertation research. Before you decide whether you want to take part, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what your participation will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask me if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. 

 

What is the purpose of the project? 

The purpose of the project isto explore the relationship between personality constellation Dark Tetrad (i.e., narcissism, everyday sadism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism), myths around rape, and the way that people perceive sexual consent. The Dark Tetrad is a constellation of normal personality traits that vary in a continuum- we all possess aspects of it. Previous studies have found that people who have higher levels of these traits are more likely to use sexually coercive strategies. Here, we are interested in whether this could relate to differences in perceptions of what sexual consent is. 

 

Why have I been invited to take part? 

You have been invited because you fill the inclusion criteria of being over the age of 18. 

 

What will happen if I take part? 

If you choose to take part in the project you will be asked to complete questionnaires on personality, opinions on sexual consent, and opinions on victim and perpetrator blame in sexual coercion. Example questions are “It is not wise to tell your secrets”;  If a woman is raped while she is drunk, she is at least somewhat responsible for letting things get out of control; or Not asking for sexual consent from time-to-time is okay”.Participation will take place online and will likely take around 15-20 minutes to complete. As part of participation you will be asked to provide your age and gender. Your identity will remain anonymous. 

 

Do I have to take part? 

Participation is completely voluntary. You should only take part if you want to and choosing not to take part will not disadvantage you in anyway. Once you have read the information sheet, please contact us if you have any questionsthat will help you make a decision about taking part. If you decide to take partwe will ask you will click a consent boxat the end of the information sheet agreeing to take part in the study.  

 

What are the possible risks of taking part? 

 

Sexual coercion and consent are highly sensitivetopics, and the questions may be distressing or uncomfortable.If you feel distressed or uncomfortable due to the nature of the topic you do not need to take part of the study. You can also withdraw at any point during the study. 

 

What are the possible benefits of taking part? 

 

This study aims to create an understanding of connections to develop future strategies and promote healthy attitudes and behaviours surrounding consent. Participating in this study will help shed light on this and develop future education surrounding sexual assault and consent. 

 

Data handling and confidentiality 

Your data will be processed under the terms ofUK data protection law (including the UK General Data Protection Regulation [UK GDPR] and the Data Protection Act 2018). This study will only ask for your age and gender, therefore any other identifying information will not be used. Your idenitiy will remain completely anonymous throughout the entirety of the study. At the end of the study your answers will generate a participant number so there will be no need in using your name or personal information at any point. The data will only be shared within the research team with your consent. Liverpool John Moores University has a responsibility to keep information collected about you safe and secure, and to ensure the integrity of research data. Specialist teams within Liverpool John Moores University continually assess and ensure that data is held in the most appropriate and secure way.  

 

Data ProtectionStatement  

 

If you would like more information about how your data will be processed underthe terms of UK data protection laws please visit the link below: 

https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/data-protection/data-protection-policy 

 

What if I change my mind about taking part? 

You are free withdraw while completing the survey, without having to give a reason. Withdrawing from the project will not affect you in any way.Itisnotpossibletoprovideyouwithyour individual data ortowithdrawyour data after youfinisgthesurvey, as the responses are completelyanonymous.   

What will happen to the results of the project? 

The results of the project will be summarised in my Dissertation for my final year of my Psychology BHS Honours degree. It also may be presented in a conference, and published in a scientific journal. 

 

 

Who should I contact for further information? 

If you have any questions or require more information about this project, please contact me using the following contact details:  

 

Jodie Laing 

psyjlain@ljmu.ac.uk 

07498374287 

 

What if I have further questions, or if something goes wrong? 

If this project has harmed you in any way or if you wish to make a complaint about the conduct of the project you can contact Liverpool John Moores University using the details below for further advice and information:  

 

Minna Lyons 

m.t.lyons@ljmu.ac.uk 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for reading this information sheet and for considering taking part in this research.