Thank you for showing an interest in this project. Please read this information sheet carefully before deciding whether or not to participate. If you decide to participate we thank you. If you decide not to participate there will be no disadvantage to you and we thank you for considering our request.
What is the Aim of the Project?
The aim of the project to assess whether the covid-19 crisis has influenced the relationship between support for New Zealand’s main political parties and authoritarianism.
What Types of Participants are being sought?
We are seeking anyone that is based in New Zealand. We are recruiting participants through both the University of Otago’s Department of Psychology Research Participation Pool and members of the general public through ads on social media.
What will Participants be asked to do?
Should you agree to take part in this project, you will be asked to complete a brief 10- to 15-minute online survey. The survey includes questions about COVID-19 and whether you perceive yourself as being vulnerable to viruses. We know these question may be stressful to answer. Below, you will be given the option of not having to see or answer any of these questions.
What Data or Information will be collected and what use will be made of it?
We will collect demographic data and your responses to the questions. You will also have the option to provide your email if you wish to be part of a follow-up study. At the completion of the study, the email address will be replaced by an individual identification number in the data file, such that your data cannot be directly linked to an email address. The list of email addresses will only be accessed by the lead researcher (Dr Damian Scarf). With respect to the de-identified data set, it will only be accessed by the lead researcher (Dr. Damian Scarf) and statistical expert (Mr. Taylor Winter). The data collected will be securely stored in such a way that only Dr. Damian Scarf and Mr Taylor Winter will be able to gain access to it. Data obtained as a result of the research will be retained for at least 5 years in secure storage. Any personal information held on the participants will be destroyed at the completion of the research even though the data derived from the research will, in most cases, be kept for much longer or possibly indefinitely. No material that could personally identify you will be used in any reports on this study. Results of this research may be published. The data from this project will be publicly archived so that it may be used by other researchers.
The results of the project may be published and will be available in the University of Otago Library (Dunedin, New Zealand) but every attempt will be made to preserve your anonymity.
Can Participants change their mind and withdraw from the project?
You may withdraw from the project, before its completion and without any disadvantage to yourself.
Where can one find support?
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
Samaritans 0800 726 666
Samaritans 0800 726 666
Have questions about COVID-19?
Call the Ministry of Health dedicated 0800 number for COVID-19 health advice and information. The number is 0800 358 5453 (or for international SIMs +64 9 358 5453).
What if Participants have any Questions?
If you have any questions about our project, either now or in the future, please feel free to contact either:-
Dr Damian Scarf
Department of Psychology
Email Address: damian@psy.otago.ac.nz
This study has been approved by the Department stated above. However, if you have any concerns about the ethical conduct of the research you may contact the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee through the Human Ethics Committee Administrator (ph +643 479 8256 or email gary.witte@otago.ac.nz). Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated and you will be informed of the outcome.