Research Project

Effects of Online Empathy Training

Aim of the research

The purpose of this research is to determine the efficacy of providing online training for individuals who want to increase their empathy.

Participation

After the data is collected from this questionnaire, you will be emailed to indicate whether or not you meet the criteria for further participation in this study. If you meet the criteria for inclusion, you may be allocated to one of two groups:

Participants will complete an initial questionnaire. That will take about 15 minutes. They will provide their name and email address so we can send them information later. They then will be randomly assigned to start training immediately or in a few weeks. Four weeks after the first questionnaire, participants will complete a second questionnaire that will take about 15 minutes. Some participants will complete a final questionnaire two months later that will take about 15 minutes. The training itself will take about 30 minutes online. Also, participants will practice empathy in day-to-day life. That may take a few seconds here and there over two weeks until the methods become habitual.

Empathy Training

Empathy training will consist of online interactive modules, plus home assignments. The content of these modules will include educational information, short quizzes and question-answer type activities.

Participation
is Voluntary
 

Your involvement in this study is voluntary and you may withdraw from the study at any time without consequence. You do not need to provide any explanation if you decide not to participate or withdraw.

Questions

The training and assessment involved in this study relate to empathy. You will be asked to provide an email address so we can send you important information during the study.

Use of information

I will use information from the pre and post questionnaires as part of my Honours thesis, which I expect to complete in November 2016. This information will not include any participant names. Your participation in the study and all information will be kept confidential. Information from the study may also be used in journal articles and conference presentations before and after this date.  At all times, I will safeguard your identity by presenting the information in a way that will not allow you to be identified.

Upsetting issues

I do not foresee any risks arising from participation in this study. However, in the event that the study brings up personal or upsetting issues you would like to talk about, you may contact the UNE Counselling Centre on 02 6773 2897 if you are a student. Otherwise, you may call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Storage of information

Any electronic data that is collected will be securely stored for five years on a password protected computer. After this, it will be deleted.

This project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of New England (Approval No HE16-099, Valid to 25/05/2017).

Contact details




Complaints






 

Feel free to contact me with any questions about this research by email at esentas@myune.edu.au or by phone on 02 9808 5890. You may also contact my supervisor, Associate Professor John Malouff, at jmalouff@une.edu.au, Bernadette Harris at Bharris4@myune.edu.au and Rosalind Bird at rredshaw@myune.edu.au.

Should you have any complaints concerning the manner in which this research is conducted, please contact the Research Ethics Officer at:

Research Services

University of New England   

Armidale, NSW 2351

Tel: (02) 6773 3449 Fax: (02) 6773 3543

Email: ethics@une.edu.au

Thank you for considering participating in this study and I look forward to further contact with you.