Informed Consent
Principal Investigators:
Rebecca A. Aycock, M.Ed.
Sharon G. Horne, Ph.D
Description of the study:
Participants in this study will be asked to complete an online survey that will require approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. The purpose of the study is to explore possible influential factors related to the sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men.
Qualifications:
To participate in this study, participants must be a male/MTF/Trangendered/Intersexed individual, at least 18 years of age, and be living in the United States.
Risks:
There are no foreseeable risks to individuals for participating in this study. However, individuals will be asked to disclose their STD/STI status (sexually transmitted disease/sexually transmitted infection) (e.g. HIV, Chlamydia, etc.), which may expose them to feeling a sense of risk. Participants will not be asked any identifying information so the survey is anonymous. Furthermore, if a person feels distressed they are encouraged to call the CDC's national Hotline (1-800-CDC-INFO [1-800-232-4636]). The University of Memphis does not have any funds budgeted for compensation for injury, damages, or other expenses.
Benefits:
Participants who are interested may enter their email addresses into a lottery for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50.00 gift certificates. Email addresses will not be linked in any way with the data collected.
Furthermore, participants may benefit from participation in this study by developing a greater awareness of their personal same-sex experiences. Participants may also benefit by knowing they are contributing to research that is same-sex affirming.
Confidentiality:
Participation will be anonymous. Volunteers will complete online surveys which do not ask for participants' names or other identifying information.
Questions:
If you have any questions or concerns about this study, you may contact the principal investigators, Rebecca Aycock, M.Ed. at raaycock@memphis.edu or Sharon Horne, Ph.D. at shorne@memphis.edu or (901) 678-1413. Questions about your rights as a research participant may also be directed to the Chair of the Committee for the Protection of Human Research Participants of the University of Memphis at (901) 678-2533.
Terminating the study:
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. Beginning the survey in no way obligates participants to complete the survey. Participants may quit the study at any time with no consequences.