I am starting an experiment. It's only natural, since I'm about to be a Senior working towards my BA in Psychology. So, here is your informed consent form. Please sign and date and hand back in to your researcher.
TITLE: They're Lying To You - An investigative look into the world of Psychology Reports in Media.
INVESTIGATOR: Reddish (BA-ish - Psychology)
Before agreeing to read this blog, it is important that you read the following explanation for its existence. These statements describe the purpose, procedures, benefits, risks, discomforts, and precautions of the blog. Also described are the alternative procedures available to you, as well as your right to stop reading the blog at any time. No absolute guarantees or assurances can be made as to the results of your having read this blog, much like in real science, where no absolute guarantees or conclusions can EVER be found.
EXPLANATION OF PROCEDURES:
This blog is designed to examine the world of Pop Psychology, or, more specifically, how research may be twisted and misused to form sensationalist headlines that drive a fear-based market. Reddish, an undergraduate student at a Texas-based university, is authoring this blog in hopes that she can help create informed minds that question what they read with a scrutinizing eye. Reading the blog involves nothing more than visiting, reading the topic/article of the moment and diving into the discussion of the merits of said article. New posts will appear as appropriate articles are found to debunk, and may not be on any fit schedule as of yet. Comments will be welcome, but moderated for respect and language.
RISKS AND DISCOMFORTS:
There is minimal risk associated with reading any blog. We suggest sitting back from your screen and taking a break every 20 minutes to rest your eyes, to prevent eye strain. This specific blog may pose these potential risks: Skepticism towards mainstream media reports of psychological studies, frustration when a sensitive issue is touched upon (with respect to all sides, we promise), irritation at commenters who disagree, and bad jokes.
BENEFITS:
The anticipated benefit of reading this blog is the opportunity to learn how to look at studies with a discerning eye, and to be better informed when you see reports on studies that alarm you. Chances are good that what you are being told is NOT what the researchers found, or what they intended. Telling truth from a fiction is a very beneficial skill.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS:
If you want a more official flavor, you are welcome to enroll in Research Methodology classes at your local University or community college. This, however, is free. I will also add links to other useful sites as I find them.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
As this blog is on the internet, you can pretty safely assume that your anonymity will be protected insomuch as you protect it. I do not gather data about my visitors beyond their comments, which are theirs to share. Any information gathered via comments that I deem useful to the populace will be shared to enhance the experience of all, but with no identifying information beyond what is given to me.
WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT PREJUDICE:
Reading this blog is, of course, voluntary! Refusal to read these ideas is understandable and surfing away from this page to go to YouTube or any other website will involve no penalty. Every reader is free to cease reading at any point, even mid-sentence, and are under no requirements to return (though you are always welcome).
PAYMENT FOR RESEARCH:
You are not being compensated for this, beyond a growing base of knowledge. And maybe some gum. I never get paid in gum, though.
COST FOR RESEARCH:
There is also no cost for this blog. Donations will be accepted in the form of said gum. Further information will also be accepted as payment. Barring that, LOLCats will function as currency.
QUESTIONS:
Any questions concerning the topics brought up on this blog may be directed to the comments section, or to this email address: reddishherring at gmail dot com.
AGREEMENT:
This agreement states that you have read this informed consent post. Your signature below indicates that you agree to read more!
Signature: ___________________________
Date: __________________________
Subject Name/Handle: ______________________________
