CONSENT FORM

You are invited to participate in a research study conducted by Sara Hodges, from the University of Oregon Department of Psychology. The purpose of this study is to understand how people compare among other people. In particular, this study examines how students make decisions about student government representatives. By seeing how various factors affect students' voting behavior, I can learn more about how people make comparisons and choices. You were selected as a possible participant in this study because you are part of the psychology department subject pool.

If you decide to participate, you will be reading descriptions of candidates for student government positions and asked to judge how good you think these candidates sound. The experimental session will last approximately half an hour.

There are no known risks, discomforts, or inconveniences other than the use of your time known to result from participating in this study. At the end of the study, you will be provided with a complete explanation of this research including the hypothesis, and you might find the information interesting as it relates to decision making in your own life. However, I cannot guarantee that you personally will receive any benefits from this research. For your participation, you will receive half an hour of experimental credit for your psychology class.

Any information that is obtained in connection with this study and that can be identified with you will remain confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission. Your data will be assigned a subject number that will not be paired up with your name. This consent form will be kept separate from the rest of your data. Data will be made available only to the researchers conducting the study unless you specifically give permission in writing to do otherwise. No reference will be made in verbal or written reports which could link you to the study. If your responses are used as part of a scientific presentation or publication, you will not be identified.

Your participation is voluntary. Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your relationship with anyone in the psychology department. If you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw your consent and discontinue participation at any time without penalty. Please talk with your instructor if you are interested in alternative ways (other than participating in studies) for meeting the research requirement for your course.

The experimenter is available to answer any questions you may have regarding your participation. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Sara D. Hodges, 346-4919, in 331 Straub Hall. If you have questions regarding your rights as a research subject, contact the Human Subjects Compliance Office, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, (541) 346-2510. If you have any problem with the experimental procedure or personnel, you may bring your complaint to your course instructor. If you are not satsified with the instructor’s action, you may bring your grievance to the Psychology Department Head. You will be offered a copy of this form to keep.

Your signature indicates that you have read and understand the information provided above, that you willingly agree to participate, that you may withdraw your consent at any time and discontinue participation without penalty, that you will receive a copy of this form, and that you are not waiving any legal claims, rights or remedies.

***************************************

Print Name:

Signature: _______________________________ Date: ____________________