We are currently running a study called Decision Making Study!
What is the research study about?
The overall purpose of this research is to explore how social anxiety and depression impact decision making. The research study involves a diagnostic interview, questionnaires, and computer tasks.
Is this research study for payment? How much time does it take?
Yes. Basically, participants will receive at least $15 per hour of participation, for a minimum of $15. The exact number of hours you participate depends on a variety of factors. Participants receive a minimum of $15 and a maximum of $70.
Can I get research credit for this research study?
Sorry! We cannot offer research credit.
How much time does it take?
For most participants, the study will take between two and three hours.
Who can participate?
If you are interested in the research study, please call us for a short phone interview that will help determine if this research study is right for you.
What is the diagnostic interview about?
The diagnostic interview assesses for a wide variety of psychological disorders. It is similar to the type of interview that many researchers and treatment providers would use to determine whether people have psychological disorders.
What are these questionnaires about?
Some of the questionnaires are ones that assess a variety of common experiences, such as personality characteristics and common types of distress. Other questionnaires focus on the quality of your life and interpersonal relationships.
What are the computer tasks about?
The first computer task asks you to make decisions with different people (e.g., strangers). The second is similar, but asks you to imagine making such decisions with people from your life.
Are there risks to this research study?
Yes. Some participants may experience transient distress during the diagnostic interview because of questions about psychological symptoms. Similarly, completing self report forms may lead to mild distress or fatigue. Participants will receive feedback about their diagnostic status. Occasionally, these results may be surprising or distressing. However, these types of responses are rare, and the interviewer is trained to help you deal with any distress you feel. Finally, the diagnostic interview and interpersonal tasks will be audio or video recorded. The purpose of this recording is to ensure the interview is performed reliably and allow analysis of the interpersonal tasks. Until the recording is destroyed, there is a minimal risk of your identity being revealed. Similarly, as long as you allow us to retain your contact information, there is a minimal risk of your identity being revealed. We will do everything we can to avoid such breaches of confidentiality (please see below).
What will you do to minimize the risks?
You can end the research study at any time, and the interviewer will be trained to help you if you experience distress. We will do everything we can to protect your privacy. The information you provide will be identified by an assigned participant identification number only. Your contact information will be listed under a separate number. Audio and video recordings associated with this research study will be kept in a locked cabinet in a locked laboratory and labeled only with your participant number. There are some limits to confidentiality that you will be given further information about if you are interested in participating.
Are there benefits to participating in this research study?
Yes, there are several benefits to you inherent in this research. If you complete the diagnostic interview, which assesses a variety of psychological disorders, we can provide you with a report about any disorders you meet criteria for. If you request it, we can provide this report to your health care providers. We can also provide a list of mental health resources in the community. If you complete the diagnostic assessment, we will be able to highlight the resources that may be of particular interest given your diagnoses (if any).
Where can I find out the results of the research study?
This research study is expected to be ongoing for several years, at least. We will post findings from this research study here as they become available. The earliest this is likely to happen is January of 2016.