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At this time, we are looking for participants to take part in three studies.
Study 1 (Kristina Hobson/Diary Study)
This is a diary study investigating stress and coping in close relationships. It involves filling out some background measures on-line, then completing a brief on-line diary each day for five days (Monday - Friday) describing stressors either you or your partner encountered that day. To be eligible for this study, both you and your partner must be 18 years of age, you must have been in a romantic relationship together for at least six months (either heterosexual or same-sex is fine), and most importantly, both of you must be available to participate. Everything is conducted over the internet, so any couple from anywhere is welcome to take part. Also, it's fine if you're a long-distance couple, as long as you're in touch with each other regularly. At the end of the study, you will be invited to participate in Study 2, Courtney's relationship memory study, if desired (see below for more details). For more information on the diary study, click here.
Study 2 (Courtney Black/Memory Study)
This study investigates relationship memories. If you want to take part in this memory study, you now have two options:
- Stand-alone Version. This version requires no participation in Kristina's diary study (although your data from this version can be linked to Kristina's study, should you decide to take part at a later date). This study does not require your partner to take part - although we highly encourage it! The study involves completing some brief background questionnaires, recalling and describing two past relationship events, and completing some questionnaires regarding your memory of those events. You must be at least 18 years of age, and you must have been in a romantic relationship (heterosexual or same-sex) for at least six months. Click here for more information on this version. Please note that if you're planning on doing Kristina's diary study, then the version below is the one you want.
- Follow-up Version. If you are currently taking part in Kristina's diary study, or intend to take part in it, then this is the version for you. This version has two parts. Part 1 is very similar to the stand-alone version described above, recalling two relationship events. Part 2 occurs one month later and asks you to recall an event we provide to you, based on your diary entries. You will be invited to take part in this study, and given the appropriate links, after you complete Kristina's background questionnaires. The criteria for participating are the same as for Kristina's study. Because this study is more extensive than the stand-alone version, it has additional participation incentives. Click here for more information.
Study 3 (Laura Shellnutt/Laboratory Study)
The third study looks at the link between individual and dyadic computer-based tasks and well-being, under differing levels of emotional valence. To be eligible for this study, you must currently be in a heterosexual relationship (dating or married), and have been for at least 6 months. Participants must also have experience using an instant message system (like MSN messenger), and both partners must physically be able to come into our lab at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, to participate. For more information on this study, click here. Please note: We are currently taking a short break in data collection for this study, but plan to resume in March. If you are interested in this study, please do indicate your interest when you are asked which studies you would like to participated in (i.e., before you begin the background questionnaires). You can complete the background questionnaires any time, but the lab follow-up session won't take place until March. Laura will be in touch within the next few weeks to schedule an appointment. Thanks!
Prize Draw Information
Each of these studies earns you participation points that can be entered into our prize draws. Participants can enter the grand prize draw, an amazing $1000 in cold hard cash! Four runner-up prizes of a $100 gift certificate to one of three popular online stores, such as Amazon.com, are also available to be won, as well as an iPod nano. Every portion of the studies you complete increases your chances of winning! For more details on our great prizes, click here.
Alternatively, if you are a student at Acadia University, you (and your partner, if applicable) will be eligible to receive bonus points towards your class grade in four different courses. You could also receive $10 cash and a $10 Empire Theatres gift certificate. See the detailed study descriptions for more information.
Other Available Studies
Interested in other relationships studies? Karen Blair (a former master's student at Acadia, now completing her doctoral work at Queen's University) is conducting other on-line studies on relationships issues. Her studies are open to individuals of any relationship status, including singles, and she also has great prizes available. Learn more at klbresearch.com.
Interested in other on-line psychology studies? Try this list of on-line resources.
Ready to Begin?
Talk it over with your partner, and see which study or studies you would both be willing to participate in!
If you're interested, your partner is willing, and you're ready to begin, then please click the "Proceed to Questionnaires" button below to start the study process. You'll be asked which study or studies you wish to take part in, then be taken immediately to the relevant questionnaires. These will take about 45-60 minutes to complete, and should be done individually, in a quiet location.