In order to help facilitate other study's we are conducting about the variety of experiences linked with meditation, we would like to understand better how people categorise different types of meditation. This study will be looking at the intended outcomes people wish to achieve by using specific meditation techniques, and categorising them according to this. There will be 3 categories of intended outcome and 50 meditation techniques to categorise, more information can be found on the next page.
What are these methods and what do they involve?
The main question will be a grid style question with the 50 techniques list down one side, and the 3 categories we are using along the top. The 50 techniques have been derived from a study that asked what experienced meditators did when they meditated. The 3 categories are derived from a paper by 3 researchers aiming to create a way of categorising meditation to help facilitate research on meditation.
There will be a seond question about reasons for meditating, where you will be asked to link these reasons to one or more of the categories of meditation.
Do you have to take part?
No, it is up to you whether or not to take part. If you decide to take part, you will be asked to read this information sheet and sign a consent form. If you take part, you can still stop at any time without giving a reason and without any penalty. If you are a student at the University of Plymouth, there would be absolutely no academic penalty if you decide you do not want to take part in this study, or if you decide to stop taking part at any point.
What will happen if you decide you want to take part?
There will be a page with a box for you to tick to show that you have read and understood the information sheet, and that you give your consent to take part.
What will happen to you during the study?
There will be further information about the 3 cetegories, and 2 grid style question for cetegorising.
What are the benefits of taking part?
There is no direct benefit to you. We hope that we will gain useful information about how people use meditation for different outcomes. We will use the information for future studies about the variety of experiences linked to different types of meditation.
What will happen to the results of the research study?
The data from the study will be analysed by the research team. Over the coming years, results may be presented at scientific meetings, published in scientific journals, or published on our website. It will not be possible for anyone to identify you from the results. Therefore you will remain anonymous.
Who will know that I am taking part in this research?
We will not inform anyone else that you are taking part in this research. All the information collected about you during this study would be kept strictly confidential. We will write our reports in a way that no one can work out that you took part in the study.
Who has funded and organised this research?
This research is funded by the Medical Research Council and organised by Dr. Elsa Fouragnan. Grant number: MR/T023007/1 to Dr Elsa Fouragnan.
Who has reviewed the study?
All research studies are checked by an ethics committee to ensure the research is conducted safely and to the best standards.
This project has been reviewed on behalf of the University of Plymouth, Faculty Research Ethics and Integrity Committee, and was given approval with the following Application ID: 2776
What if there is a problem?
If you have concerns about any aspect of this study or you have a complaint, you should first speak to the researchers who will do their best to answer your questions (see contact details below).
If you remain unhappy or you think your complaint has not been addressed to your satisfaction, please contact the Research Administrator to the Faculty Research Ethics and Integrity Committee at the University of Plymouth (hhsethics@plymouth.ac.uk).
What are your choices about your participation and how your information is used?
Your participation is voluntary, and you will be free to withdraw from the project at any time before you have completed it without giving any reason and without penalty.
Where can you find out more about how your information is used?
You can find out more about how we use your information at:
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/governance/research-participant-privacy-notice
Also by contacting a member of the research team, or by contacting the University of Plymouth’s Data Protection Officer at: dpo@plymouth.ac.uk.
Contact details for further information:
Principal Investigators Tim Palmer Timothy.palmer@plymouth.ac.uk
Dr Elsa Fouragnan elsa.fouragnan@plymouth.ac.uk
Address for written correspondence:
University of Plymouth School of Psychology B217 Portland Square PL4 8AA PLYMOUTH
Thank you for reading this information sheet.