Implicit Bias in the UK: Updating the Implicit Association Task

Information Sheet

Researcher: Nick Hearn

The purpose of this page is to provide you with the information that you need to consider in deciding whether to participate in this online study.



Introduction

I would like to invite you to take part in a research study. The study is part of my Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Before you decide, you need to understand why the research is being conducted and what it will involve. Please read through the following information before deciding if you would like to take part in the research. Talk to others about the study if you wish. If something needs clarification or you have any unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to contact me using the details on this form.



What are the aims of the study?

Bias is a tendency to prefer one person or thing over another. Biases we are not aware of can affect our behaviour. This study uses newly developed materials which aim to improve our understanding of implicit attitudes towards groups of people. The data gathered in this study will allow a comparison between participants from the UK general population with a sample of (trainee) clinical psychologists. The findings from this research may help raise awareness of the prevalence of implicit biases and the implications for clinical psychology practice.



Why do you want me to take part?

You have been asked to take part because we would like to gain an understanding of implicit attitudes among psychologists and non-psychologists. To take part in the study, you will need to be at least 18 years of age, live in the UK and have enough fluency in English to understand and respond to written and verbal instructions.



Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is entirely your choice. If you do decide to take part, you can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason. If you have not finished any of the tasks yet you can withdraw by closing the browser window and your data will be deleted. If you have already completed part of the study, you can contact the researcher with your study identifier so that your data can be deleted. You do not have to give a reason. You will be able to withdraw up until the end of April 2018 when the data analysis for this study will be finalised.



What would taking part involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to provide some general information about yourself and to complete at least one of five Implicit Associations Tests (IAT). These tests aim to measure attitudes towards skin colour, weight, age, sexuality and gender. It is estimated that the study will take between 10 and 35 minutes depending on how many tests you decide to do.



Are there any disadvantages or risks to taking part?

At the end of each section you will receive a summary of your results with possible interpretations based on the research that has already been done. However, the University of East London and the researchers involved in this study make no claim for the validity of these suggested interpretations. Some people may find these interpretations challenging. Information about sources of support will also be provided should you find the suggested interpretations distressing.



Are there any benefits to taking part and what will happen to the results?

Taking part will help develop our understanding of implicit bias among the UK general population, as well as UK psychologists. This may have implications for training and improvements in clinical practice. In appreciation of your contribution, you will also be invited to enter a prize draw to win a £20 Amazon voucher. The results of the study will be written up as a doctoral thesis and submitted to an academic journal. The results may also be used in conference presentations. All the information you provide will remain anonymous. All the data collected as part of this study will be destroyed after 5 years.



Will my information remain confidential?

All the information you provide will remain confidential and the study database will only be shared with the researcher and supervisor. No personally identifiable information will be collected as part of the study. You will be assigned a unique identifying number which will be displayed on the first page of the study. You are encouraged to write it down. This number will be stored in the study database where your responses will be recorded. It will be the only way in which your data can be linked to you if you wish to withdraw from the study. The database will be stored in a password protected secure network folder.



Contact details required to enter the prize draw (i.e. email address) will be stored separately from the research database and will not be linked to your unique study identifier. A cookie will also be saved on your computer. Cookies are small text files saved on your computer when you first visit a website. They help websites recognise you when you come back. The cookie saved on your computer will only store your study identifier and progress information. Your responses will not be stored in this cookie. The use of cookies is necessary to ensure you are not asked to complete the same test more than once and to enable you to complete the tests over more than one session if you choose to.



Thank you for taking the time to read this information. Please save or print this information for your records.



If you would like to take part in the study, please click continue.



