This survey might be easier to complete on a computer due to some questions with multiple options, meaning increased scrolling. It is still achievable on a phone.
If you would like a link to use to open on another platform please use this: https://plymouthpsychology.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cvc3NjuAWFTzssC
What is our study about?
Meditation is practiced in many different forms from a diverse range of traditions. A large range of different experiences have been linked to meditation. This study aims to collect information about these different experiences, and about the people practicing meditation. This may allow a deeper understanding of which different experiences may link with different types of meditation and with different personality and individual differences. This information is deemed important in providing more detailed information to those practicing or seeking to practice meditation and those teaching it or using it in research.
What are these methods and what do they involve?
Questionnaire measures collecting information about personality traits will be used. Many of these are ‘psychometric measures’ that have been designed and tested to measure a specific trait like personality. Other questions such as those about your background (age, sex etc) have been created by the researchers. We will also ask about your history of mental health, and if you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Some of the questionnaires are designed to measure experiences linked with mental health conditions. You will be asked about your meditation practice, and if any unusual experiences have been linked with this practice. We will also ask about recreational drug use and medication you may be taking.
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 several questions about your demographic information, mental health history and drug use. There will follow several questionnaires designed to collect information about personality traits and meditation habits. We estimate this survey to take approximately 45 minutes and no longer than 1 hour to complete. There is the option to finish early or come back later or another day to complete, just click the link again from the same IP address.
What are the benefits of taking part?
There is no direct benefit to you. We hope that we will gain useful information about how meditation effects brain activity. This will inform people meditating, teaching, or using it in research as to the effects of meditation on the brain.
Will my time be reimbursed?
We will donate some money to a charity as a thank you for taking part (Details of this will be included on the first page of the survey).
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, 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.
Survey Circle and Survey Swap
Codes for users of each of these are included at the end of the survey.