University at Albany

INFORMED CONSENT INFORMATION FOR RESEARCH PARTICIPATION

Study Title: Memory and Decision Making

Principal Investigator: Gregory E. Cox, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator: Nathan Gillespie

IRB Study Number: 23X050

We are researchers at the University at Albany, in the Department of Psychology. We are planning to conduct a research study, which we invite you to take part in. This form has important information about the reason for doing this study, what we will ask you to do if you decide to be in this study, and the way we would like to use information about you if you choose to participate.

Why are you doing this study?

You are being asked to participate in a research study about memory and decision making. The purpose of this study is to understand how different kinds of information are stored in memory and how we use that information to help us make simple decisions. This will help us understand how memory works and may help us design better educational methods, as well as better techniques for diagnosing and managing memory-related disorders like Alzheimer's.

What will I do if I choose to be in this study?

If you choose to participate, you will be presented with sets of words and/or images and then asked to make some simple decisions based on what you remember about those words/images, such as saying whether you remember seeing a particular word before or reporting the color of an object in an image.

Study time: Study participation will take place at a time of your choosing. Once you begin, you will need to complete our survey in one sitting. Participation will take approximately 45 minutes.

Study location: All study procedures will take place online.

What are the possible risks or discomforts?

The risks associated with this study are no greater than those you might encounter in everyday life. You may experience mild discomfort from using a computer, but you will be able to take breaks during the study if you like.

As with all research, there is a chance that confidentiality of the information we collect from you could be breached“ we will take steps to minimize this risk, as discussed in more detail below in this form.

What are the possible benefits for me or others?

The results of this study will lead to greater knowledge about human memory and how we use our memories to make decisions. In the future, results may also help us develop better educational techniques and ways to diagnose and manage memory-related disorders.

How will you protect the information you collect about me, and how will that information be shared?

To minimize any risk to confidentiality, we keep the identities of participants confidential and we do not record any information about you that could be used to identify you. We may share some of the data we collect from you for use in future research studies or with other researchers, but because we do not collect any personally identifying information, there is no opportunity for your confidentiality to be breached.

Financial Information

Participation in this study will involve no cost to you. You will receive 1 credit in exchange for your participation.

What are my rights as a research participant?

Participation in this study is voluntary. If at any time you would like to stop participating, you are free to do so. You may withdraw from this study at any time, and you will not be penalized in any way for deciding to stop participation.

What if I am a University at Albany student or employee?

You may choose not to participate or to stop participating in this research at any time. This will not affect your class standing, grades, employment, or any other aspects of your relationship with the University at Albany.

Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns about this research study?

If you have questions after participation in this study, you may contact the researchers at gecox@albany.edu.

If you have any questions about your rights as a participant in this research, you can contact the following office at the University at Albany:

Institutional Review Board

University at Albany

Office of Regulatory and Research Compliance

1400 Washington Ave, ES 244

Albany, NY 12222

Phone: 1-866-857-5459

Email: rco@albany.edu

Consent

I have read this form and the research study has been explained to me. I have been given the opportunity to ask questions and my questions have been answered. If I have additional questions, I have been told whom to contact. I agree to participate in the research study described above and will receive a copy of this consent form.