You are invited to participate in a research study conducted by Olivia Hopkins and Dr. Eric Toolson, from the Biology Department at the University of New Mexico. Results from the study will contribute to an Honors Thesis for O. H. You were selected as a possible participant in the study because the study pertains to a visual phenomenon that cavers such as yourself may have experienced.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to try to understand the physiological mechanism behind the visual experience.
Procedures:
1. Fill out all parts of the survey that pertain to your experience. Include contact information only if it is okay to contact you regarding further questions that might arise.
2. The survey time is estimated at about twenty minutes.
Potential
Risks:
There will be no risk to participation in the survey. The welfare and privacy of any personal information for all participants is assured.
Potential
Benefits:
1. Information obtained during the research may provide an explanation for the phenomenon you experienced.
2. This is a relatively unknown and unresearched topic. The results could contribute to a broader understanding of neurological function.
3. There will be no payment for participation.
Confidentiality:
Absolute confidentiality of all records identifying participants will be maintained. Private information or any sensitive participant data will be stored and managed to control access and assure confidentiality.
Participation
and Withdrawal:
You may choose whether to participate in this study or not, and refusal to participate will involve no penalty or loss of benefits to which you might otherwise be entitled. If you volunteer to participate, you may discontinue participation at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you might otherwise be entitled.
Identification
of Investigators and Review Board:
If you have any questions or concerns about the research, please feel free to contact: The Principal Investigator, Olivia Hopkins at (505) 280-4654 or email at ohopkins@sevilleta.unm.edu, or Dr. Eric Toolson at (505) 277-3329 or email at toolson@unm.edu. If you have other concerns or complaints about your rights as a participant, contact the Institutional Review Board at the University of New Mexico, Professor Jose Rivera, Scholes Hall, Room 255, Albuquerque, NM 87131, (505) 277-2257.
Our
research protocol requires that we use data only from individuals who are
at least 18 years of age. If you have read and understand the above consent
form, are 18 years of age or older, and are ready to complete the survey Questionnaire,
click here to proceed. Please note
that by choosing the "click here" option, you are agreeing to participate
in our survey.