Our team is dedicated to conducting groundbreaking, scientific research that can help improve the well-being of children and adults. We invite you to join us in our mission by enrolling yourself or your child(ren) in our exciting research studies. By participating in our studies, you can contribute to advancing our understanding of the psychological factors that influence health and well-being across the lifespan. Our research explores a wide range of topics, including sleep, coping mechanisms, social support, and environmental factors.
Students volunteering with the Health and Well-Being Lab can gain a variety of research skills including:
Why should I consider volunteering for psychological research?
Volunteering for psychological research allows you to contribute to scientific knowledge and advancements in understanding human behavior and mental processes. By participating, you can help researchers make important discoveries that may improve the lives of individuals and communities. Volunteering for psychological research can have several benefits, including the opportunity to learn more about yourself and the ability to gain a deeper understanding of psychological phenomena. Additionally, some studies may offer compensation or incentives for your time and effort.
Is there any risk involved in volunteering for psychological research?
Our researchers prioritize the safety and well-being of our participants. While most psychological research studies are non-invasive and low-risk, we will discuss any potential risks or discomforts you may experience before you decide to participate. We will provide you with an informed consent form that details the study procedures, potential risks, and the steps we have taken to minimize them.
What types of studies might I be asked to participate in?
The Health and Well-Being Lab studies research questions aimed at promoting physical and mental health across the lifespan. You may be asked to participate in studies involving surveys, interviews, computer-based tasks, psychological assessments, or even sleep tracking. Before you decide to participate in any study, you will receive an informed consent form that outlines all the procedures used that that particular study.
Will my personal information and data be kept confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a crucial aspect of psychological research. We are ethically bound to protect the privacy and anonymity of our participants. We will provide you with a consent form that explains how your data will be used, stored, and shared (if applicable). Any information you provide will be treated with the utmost care and handled in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines.
How long do research studies typically last?
The duration of research studies can vary depending on the specific study design and requirements. Most studies in our lab may be completed in a single session lasting an hour or two, while others may require multiple sessions spread out over a period of weeks or, months. Additionally, some studies may be completely online. Before signing up for any research study in our lab, you will be given information about the time commitment and format of the study so that you can decide if you want to participate.
Can I withdraw from a research study if I change my mind?
Yes, you have the right to withdraw from a research study at any time, for any reason, without penalty. Before you participate, we will inform you about the specific withdrawal process. Feel free to ask questions and ensure you have a clear understanding of your rights as a participant.
Do you share your findings with participants? If so, how can I learn about the results of the research I participated in?
We will regularly update the "Publications" and "News" tabs on our lab website with updates regarding the progress and results of our studies. However, please be aware that psychological research often takes months or years to complete. So do not be dismayed if you don't see an update right away. You are also welcome to email Dr. Lyle at lylesm@eckerd.edu to request information about the status and findings of any study you participated in.
Can I volunteer for psychological research if I have a specific condition?
It depends on the study and its specific requirements. Some of our studies may seek participants with specific conditions or demographic characteristics (e.g., age, race, or sexual orientation), while others may require a diverse range of participants. We will specify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for each of our studies before you participate. In fact, many of our studies will require a screening phone call to ensure you meet eligibility criteria before you enroll.