ISN Active Research Projects – Research Participants Required
Our current research projects are as follows:
Self recognition in Anorexia Nervosa
You are invited to participate in a research study aiming to investigate self-perception. We are looking for participants who meet the following:
(1) Are female and aged over 18 years old; (2) Currently have a BMI ranging between 20-25, and; (3) EITHER you have previously been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa OR have never been diagnosed with any other form of eating disorder (see below). Those who have been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder cannot be involved. Participation is purely voluntary. You can enter a drawing to win Myers/Coles vouchers ranging from $5 to $100.
Self recognition in Anorexia Nervosa
We are currently seeking participants to investigate whether multisensory integration (that is, combining visual and tactile sensory information) can change people’s perception about what they look like. The study involves attending one 90-minute session at our ISN research lab, located at ISN Psychology, 443 Upper Heidelberg Road, Heidelberg VIC 3084.
Who can participate?
Participation is completely voluntary. You are eligible to participate if you:
- Are female and aged over 18 years old
- Currently have a BMI ranging between 20-25
- EITHER you have previously been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa OR have never been diagnosed with any other form of eating disorder (see below).
Who cannot participate?
Those who have been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder cannot be involved.
If you do not know your current BMI, please use the following link to an online calculator: http://healthyweight.health.gov.au/wps/portal/Home/helping-hand/bmi
Although participation is voluntary, we would like to thank participants by offering the chance to win one of 29 Coles/Myer ($100 x1; $50 x3, $20 x8, $10 x14, $5 x3). Winners will be notified by email.
For more information, or if you would like to take part in the study, please contact us via the following link: https://isn.edu.au/research-participation/
Alternatively contact Dr. David Butler at dbutler@isn.edu.au
The present research has been approved by the ISN Psychology Pty Ltd. Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: 181106). Please contact ISN Psychology Pty Ltd. Human Research Ethics Contact Officer (Dr Heather Madsen) to discuss any concerns you may have about this project (ethis@isn.edu.au).
Online Survey on Morality
Chief Investigator: Dr Kelly Asao
Researchers: Nicholas Seletic
Link to Begin Study: https://acsurvey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3EOMAUjy2IyTReB
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our research. This consent form will provide you with important details related to the research i.e., the purpose of the research, procedures and any potential risk involved. This form also describes what information about you will be obtained, how it will be used and with whom it will be shared. This is to ensure that all potential participants are aware of what is involved and able to make an informed decision about whether or not you want to participate in the current research. Please read the information provided carefully and do not hesitate to ask questions should anything be unclear or you require further information.
You are at no stage obligated to continue in the research and can withdraw from the project during or after any phase. If you decide to be involved in this study, this page will be used to record your consent. You are free to contact the investigator to discuss the survey.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to understand what drives morality. This study will provide researchers with a deeper understanding of how different characteristics or traits are linked to moral considerations. Results from the study will be presented at international conferences and as scientific papers in journals.
What will you be asked to do?
If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to answer a series of questions about yourself and then provide information on what drives your moral decisions.
We estimate that it will take no more than 15 minutes of your time to complete the questionnaire.
To participate in the current project you must be at least 18 years of age and be fluent in English.
What are the risks involved in this study?
Participation in all sections of this survey is completely voluntary and you will not be penalised in any way for choosing not to participate for any reason. We will fully debrief you as to the purpose of this study following survey completion. We expect no more than minimal risks. However, in the event that you do experience distress, please contact the chief investigator who can point you in the direction of local counseling services. We will also submit a report with the ISN ethics committee.
If you experience any discomfort as a consequence of participating in this study, you may contact the chief investigator, Dr. Kelly Asao, kasao@isn.edu.au.
Additionally, you may contact one of the following third-party counselling services:
Lifeline Australia Crisis Support 13 11 14 (Available 24 hours)
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
or visit the following website if you are outside of Australia:
http://www.cocoonais.com/mental-health-hotlines-worldwide/
What are the possible benefits of this study?
You will receive no direct benefit from participating in this study; however, this study will benefit society by increasing our knowledge of morality.
Do you have to participate?
No, your participation is voluntary. You may decide not to participate at all or, if you start the study, you may withdraw at any time. There is no penalty for withdrawal or refusing to participate.
Will there be any compensation?
While participation is purely voluntary, you may choose to enter into a lottery to win Coles/Myers vouchers worth $50.
What are my confidentiality or privacy protections when participating in this research study?
Your responses in this experiment will be kept strictly confidential. Only the chief investigator and research team will have access to your responses and data will be securely stored. Again, no identifying information will be linked to your responses.
If it becomes necessary for the ISN ethics committee to review the study records, information that can be linked to you (such as your email address for the prize draw) will be protected to the extent permitted by law. Your research records will not be released without your consent unless required by law or a court order. The data resulting from your participation may be made available to other researchers in the future for research purposes not detailed within this consent form. In these cases, the data will contain no identifying information that could associate it with you, or with your participation in any study. The sponsor, ISN Psychology, of this project holds the rights to the data collected in this study.
The survey will be hosted on Qualtrics and the data will be collected online. While setting up the Qualtrics Survey we will click on “Anonymize Response.” Qualtrics handles data in accordance with their privacy statement which can be found on their website www.qualtrics.com/privacy-statement/
If you agree to participate, please click the box below that says, “I agree to participate in this research study.” If you do not wish you participate, please either click the other box or simply close the survey window.
No personal data will be collected apart from an email address for contact purposes. All other project data will be stored in a separate password protected computer on a secure ISN server. This data will only be accessible by the investigators for data analysis. Data will be kept for a minimum of 7 years as per requirements set out by the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the requirements of some academic journals. In some cases, journals will require that the data are made available; however, the researchers can assure you that the information that you provide will remain anonymous. The information that you provide during this survey may also be used for future research.
Whom to contact with questions about the study?
Individualised feedback will not be provided for any aspect of the project. But if would a summary report of the aggregated results of the study once it is completed or if you have any questions about the study, prior, during or after your participation, you can contact the chief investigator, Dr. Kelly Asao, at kasao@isn.edu.au.
Whom to contact with questions concerning your rights as a research participant?
The ISN Human Ethics Committee has reviewed and approved this study in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) – incorporating all updates. This Statement has been developed to protect the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies. For questions about your rights as a participant or to report any dissatisfaction with any part of this study you can contact Heather Madsen at ethics@isn.edu.au.
Link to Begin Study: https://acsurvey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3EOMAUjy2IyTReB
Facial Mimicry and Autism
We invite you (and/or your children of any age) to participate in a study about Facial Mimicry and Autism. This study is being conducted by Miss Vaishle Gangatharan, Miss Oula Ibrahim, Mr. Geoff Lee, and Dr. David Butler at ISN Psychology Pty Ltd (Heidelberg).
Mimicry involves copying people’s actions. Copying facial expressions may help us understand emotions and experience empathy. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder may have deficits in empathy, which may be due to deficits in facial mimicry. Some researchers suggest people with Autistic traits show such facial deficits, whilst others have not. One limitation is that most prior studies have used photographs for mimicry rather than videos. The ecological validity of past findings are therefore questionable: mimicking still images of faces without seeing the actual movements involved is analogous to mimicking a picture of someone throwing a ball without seeing how the action actually occurs). We therefore aim to investigate whether children and adults with Autism show deficits – compared to neurotypical controls – when videos are used.
Another possible reason why contradictory results have been reported between Autistic and neurotypical samples involves a condition known as alexithymia (i.e., the reduced ability to know one’s inner emotions or bodily sensations). This condition has been noted in approximately half of the population diagnosed with Autism. Furthermore, alexithymia – rather than Autism per se – has been linked to impairments involving facial expression and imitation of gross motor movement. Therefore, we will also explore whether alexithymia (rather than Autism per se) is associated with deficits in facial mimicry. In doing so we hope to better understand the possible mechanisms contributing to social deficits associated with Autism.
We are looking for people (of any age) either with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, or who have no known mental illness or brain damage (please note that people under the age of 18 years will be required to provide written or verbal parental consent). Participation in this study usually runs for one 60-minute session at our research lab within ISN Psychology, located in Level 1 of the Regus Building (486 Lower Heidelberg Rd). This study is completely voluntary: You are free to withdraw participation at any time without any loss of reimbursement ($20 Coles/Myer voucher per hour; a small toy for children). All sessions are videotaped to collect data and will not be viewed by anyone other than ISN project team members and other ISN Psychology staff. Strict confidentiality is applied to all of your information. Only de-identified data will be made available for research related purposes.
If you are interested in making an appointment, or you have any further questions, please contact me on ph. 0466050602 (or email dbutler@isn.edu.au), or Vaishle at vgangatharan@student.isn.edu.
Yours faithfully,
Dr David Butler
The research has been approved by the ISN Psychology Pty Ltd Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number 180503). Please contact the ISN Psychology Human Research Ethics Contact Officer (Heather Madsen) to discuss any concerns about this project (ethics@isn.edu.au).
Improving Inter-group Relations Using Vocal Mimicry
We invite you to participate in a study about Improving Inter-group Relations Using Vocal Mimicry. This study is being conducted by Mr Atef Fiazuddin and Dr. David Butler at ISN Psychology Pty Ltd (Heidelberg).
Although we may not be aware of it, many of us have a tendency to be biased towards members of our own group/s (e.g., sporting teams, work organizations, age group, gender, and ethnicity). Reducing such biases has been a challenge to social scientists for many decades.
This study will investigate whether inter-group relations can be improved using simple behavioural actions or observations. To do so we have designed a task that requires (i) watching and/or responding to videos of people showing vocal expressions, and (ii) doing a perceptual test measuring inter-group relations. The results of this research will potentially assist researchers’ understanding about whether and how inter-group relations can be improved.
We are seeking participants who self-identify as Anglo-saxon or Caucasians, speak english fluently, and are at least 18 years of age. Participation in this study usually runs for one 60-minute session at our research lab within ISN Psychology, located in Level 1 of the Regus Building (486 Lower Heidelberg Rd). This study is completely voluntary: You are free to withdraw participation at any time without any loss of reimbursement ($20 Coles/Myer voucher per hour). All sessions are videotaped to collect data and will not be viewed by anyone other than ISN project team members and other ISN Psychology staff. Strict confidentiality is applied to all of your information. Only de-identified data will be made available for research purposes.
If you are interested in making an appointment, or you have any further questions, please contact me on ph. 0438 347 532 (or email afiazuddin@student.isn.edu.au).
Yours faithfully,
Atef Fiazuddin
The research has been approved by the ISN Psychology Pty Ltd Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number 180505). Please contact the ISN Psychology Human Research Ethics Contact Officer (Heather Madsen) to discuss any concerns about this project (ethics@isn.edu.au).
Improving Inter-group Relations Using Facial Mimicry
We invite you to participate in a study about Improving Inter-group Relations Using Facial Mimicry. This study is being conducted by Miss Madelyn Trinh and Dr. David Butler at ISN Psychology Pty Ltd (Heidelberg).
Although we may not be aware of it, many of us have a tendency to be biased towards members of our own group/s (e.g., sporting teams, work organizations, age group, gender, and ethnicity). Reducing such biases has been a challenge to social scientists for many decades.
This study will investigate whether inter-group relations can be improved using simple behavioural actions or observations. To do so we have designed a task that requires (i) watching and/or responding to videos of people showing facial expressions, and (ii) doing a perceptual test measuring inter-group relations. The results of this research will potentially assist researchers’ understanding about whether and how inter-group relations can be improved.
We are seeking participants who self-identify as Anglo-saxon or Caucasians, speak english fluently, and are at least 18 years of age. Participation in this study usually runs for one 60-minute session at our research lab within ISN Psychology, located in Level 1 of the Regus Building (486 Lower Heidelberg Rd). This study is completely voluntary: You are free to withdraw participation at any time without any loss of reimbursement ($20 Coles/Myer voucher per hour). All sessions are videotaped to collect data and will not be viewed by anyone other than ISN project team members and other ISN Psychology staff. Strict confidentiality is applied to all of your information. Only de-identified data will be made available for research purposes.
If you are interested in making an appointment, or you have any further questions, please contact me via email at mtrinh@student.isn.edu.au .
Yours faithfully,
Madelyn Trinh
The research has been approved by the ISN Psychology Pty Ltd Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number 180505). Please contact the ISN Psychology Human Research Ethics Contact Officer (Heather Madsen) to discuss any concerns about this project (ethics@isn.edu.au).
Virtual Reality, Anxiety and Driving
We are currently seeking participants for a research study aiming to investigate the effect Virtual Reality simulations have on the anxiety people experience when driving. Participants will experience the latest in VR technology and 3d programming.
The study will take place in our Virtual Reality lab located at ISN Psychology, Regus Heidelberg, 486 Lower Heidelberg Rd, Heidelberg VIC 3084
To participate you must:
- Reside in Melbourne Victoria,
- Have no past or current diagnosed mental health conditions. (Participation is voluntary).
- Not have an active phobia or PTSD of a driving incident.
Participants can choose to partake in a draw at the conclusion of the study to win one of three Coles/ Myer gift vouchers. Those participants who elect to partake in the draw will be notified via email of the outcome.
To Participate in the study, please follow the link to the Pre-screening Survey:
VR Driving Prescreening Survey
Ethics approval No. 180602.
For more information in the research study please contact us at:
Emotions and Sexual Beliefs Study
You are invited to participate in a research study aiming to investigate the impact of emotions on sexual attitudes.
To participate you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have been sexually active
- Be fluent in the English language
Participation is purely voluntary. There is no compensation. You may be asked to view images and/or answer questions about sex. Some of the pictures may include content that may evoke strong emotions, such as sexually explicit images, images of insects, and images of nature. Additionally, you may be asked questions that may be considered offensive, such as your views on incest or rape.
For more information or to participate in the study, please email:
ISN.emotions.study@isn.edu.au
To participate in the study, please click the survey link:
https://acsurvey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9mDfui9MR2gmOj3
This study has been reviewed by the ISN human research ethics committee (approval # 180601).
Online Sexual Attitudes Study
Participants Needed for Psychology Online Sexual Attitudes Study
You are invited to participate in a research study aiming to investigate sexual attitudes.
To participate you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have been sexually active
- Be fluent in the English language
Participation is purely voluntary. As part of the experiment, you may be asked to answer questions about yourself and your sexual attitudes. Additionally, you may be asked questions about your views on incest or rape. You can enter a lottery to win Coles/Myers gift vouchers for $5, $20, or $50.
For more information or to participate in the study, please email:
To participate in the study, please click the survey link:
https://acsurvey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aV7nrmBFraC0jgF
This study has been reviewed by the ISN human research ethics committee (approval #180901).
Participants Needed for Psychology Research
The Relationship Between Empathy and Burnout
We are currently seeking participants for a research study aiming to investigate the relationship between empathy and burnout in the general population.
The study consists of an online survey of participants’ level of empathy, current symptoms of burnout and general well-being. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
To participate you must:
- be 18 years of age or over,
- Speak fluent English,
Participants can choose to partake in a draw at the conclusion of the study to win one of two Coles/Myer gift vouchers. Those participants who elect to partake in the draw will be notified via email of the outcome.
Follow this link to the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Empathy-and-Burnout
For more information about the study or to participate please email: