Informed Consent

Screen Time and Extracurricular Activities Effect on College Students

IRB Approval #2425-294
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Brooklyn Pierce

CONTACT FOR ANY PROBLEMS/QUESTIONS: Principal Investigator, Brooklyn Pierce: brooklyn.pierce@my.simpson.edu

PURPOSE OF RESEARCH: This research aims to explore the relationship between screen time, participation in extracurricular activities (ECAs), and mental health among students at Simpson College. Specifically, it seeks to identify how varying levels of screen time and ECA involvement relate to students’ psychological well-being.

PROCEDURES OR METHODS TO BE USED: You will be given a Mental Health Assessment Survey. You will be asked a series of demographic questions. You will respond to the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, and (GHQ-12) to evaluate your psychological well-being, where higher scores indicate poorer mental health. You will report the types of extracurricular activities ECAs you are involved in (e.g., sports, arts, academic clubs) and the frequency of your participation (hours per week). You will then provide information about your screen usage daily. self-reported data on your average daily screen time spent on activities such as social media, gaming, and academic work. Additionally, you will be instructed on how to access and input objective screen time data from your smartphone’s built-in tracking features. After completing the survey, you will have the option to provide your name and class information to receive extra credit in your psychology course. Data collection will occur over 2 weeks, and the survey will be accessible online. Your participation is voluntary, and all responses will remain confidential.

LENGTH OF STUDY: 10 Minutes

EXTENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY: Your responses will be strictly anonymous and confidential. Your data may be shared as part of a verbal research presentation or written submission, in an aggregated capacity.

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION: I understand this project is research and that my participation is completely voluntary. I also understand that if I decide to participate in this study, I may withdraw my consent at any time, and stop participating at any time without explanation.

I verify that by clicking the “next” button below that I have read and understand this consent form, and willingly agree to participate in this study under the terms described.

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