Participant Information Page

An Eye for an Eye: Examining Public Support for Vigilante Behaviour

27th July, 2015

Greetings!



My name is Louise Stone and through this information sheet, I would like to invite you to participate in a research study: An Eye for an Eye: Examining Public Support for Vigilante Behaviour. This project is being undertaken by myself and two academic supervisors from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), towards the completion of a Masters’ Degree in Social Sciences. Participation in this research is entirely voluntary and you can choose to withdraw at any stage, prior to the end of the session. Furthermore, if you are a student of AUT, you will be neither advantaged nor disadvantaged by participating in this study.

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of the current study is to examine public support for vigilante behaviour. The data collected in this study will contribute to the completion of my Masters’ Degree at AUT. The research is also likely to produce content for a conference paper, an academic journal article, or other academic publications or presentations.

How was I identified and why am I being invited to participate in this research?

You and other individuals have been recruited via social media websites, web listings of online psychology studies, and researcher visits to undergraduate courses at AUT. The information provided to potential participants across these formats was identical, presenting a general introduction to the study. You have been invited to participate as you have expressed interest and have indicated that you are 18 years of age or older and can speak fluent English. Please note that participation in this study will neither advantage nor disadvantage any students being taught by the researchers.

What will happen in this research?

Participation within the study will require you to read a series of brief passages and answer a short questionnaire.

What are the discomforts and risks?

While there are no physical risks posed by the survey, it is possible that a select number of participants may experience slight emotional discomfort when asked questions regarding crime and vigilantism.

How will these discomforts and risks be alleviated?

If you experience discomfort regarding a specific question, you should be aware that you are not required to answer every item within the survey.

What are the benefits?

Completion of this survey will benefit me by contributing towards the achievement of my Masters’ Degree, as well as the products of this thesis – for example, conference papers and academic journal articles. While there are no monetary or tangible benefits, you may enjoy being a part of the research process or perhaps take interest in the topics discussed.

How will my privacy be protected?

You will remain anonymous and no identifying information will be taken as part of the survey.

What are the costs of participating in this research?

It is estimated that completion of the survey will take approximately 30 minutes.

What opportunity do I have to consider this invitation?

The survey will be available online until sufficient data has been collected. It is estimated that the survey will need to be available for a period of three months in order to gather an adequate sample size.

How do I agree to participate in this research?

Completion of the following questionnaire will be taken as indicating your consent to participate.

Will I receive feedback on the results of this research?

Using the details provided, you are welcome to contact me and ask to receive an electronic summary outlining the results of the completed study.

What do I do if I have concerns about this research?

Any concerns regarding the nature of this project should be notified in the first instance to the Project Supervisor, Dr John Buttle, jbuttle@aut.ac.nz, 921 9999 ext. 8964

Concerns regarding the conduct of the research should be notified to the Executive Secretary of AUTEC, Kate O’Connor, ethics@aut.ac.nz , 921 9999 ext. 6038

Researcher Contact Details:

Louise StoneLocation: Office WT1435, Level 14, WT Tower Building, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland CityEmail: lostone@aut.ac.nz Project Supervisor Contact Details:Dr John ButtleLocation: Office WT1409, Level 14, WT Tower Building, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland CityEmail: jbuttle@aut.ac.nz

Approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee on 1 April 2015, AUTEC Reference number 15/76.

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