1. Why do I have to sign the consent form?
Because it is required by the University and by law. It is for your protection.
Its purpose is to make sure you understand all that the project entails and that you
know what your rights are as a participant in a research project.
2. This is a research project?
Yes, it is funded by the National Institute on Aging, one of the
National Institutes of Health, which is part of the federal government.
Because you were scientifically selected to be invited to participate in
the study and because you are being asked to complete questionnaires throughout
the project (as indicated on the consent form), this is considered "research" in
addition to being an educational or support program.
3. Why did you contact me? I'm not having any problems.
Because it is important that we have people participate who are not
experiencing unusual difficulty and get information from them just as much
as it is important to include those who may be having a harder time. What
everyone, including you, has to offer is important as we learn more about the
most effective ways people cope with the death of their spouse. You could even obtain
some information that is useful to you as an outcome of attending the group meetings.
4. Why do I have to complete a questionnaire?
Isn't the program mainly a series of group meetings?
The reason why we are asking you to complete the questionnaire
is so we can have information that will tell us how well the group
sessions meet the needs of the participants as well as find ways to
improve and develop future programs. We need to gather this information
several times throughout the project, including before you begin attending
the groups so that we can make the necessary comparisons that will tell us
what aspects of the groups are most beneficial for the participants.
As stated in the consent form, the information you provide will be
held strictly confidential and the responses from all the participants
in the study will be examined as a group and not in a way that links
your identity with your answers.
We will also pay you $25 for each of the four questionnaires that you
complete to show our appreciation for your time.
5. What if I skip a question or two?
It is your right to refuse to answer any of the questions that are
in the questionnaire, but we hope you will do your best to complete
the entire questionnaire because we need to know how well the group really
works. Remember, your answers will be held in the strictest confidence so
we cannot reveal to anyone how you personally answered any particular question.
6. How soon do you need it back?
It is important to complete the questionnaire over the next few
days and mail it back to us in the self-addressed stamped envelope
we provided to you. The reason we prefer the questionnaire being
returned to us sooner rather than later is that we need to know your
feelings and experiences as they are for you at the present time so
we can compare them with how you will be doing later after the group meetings are over.
7. This seems a bit long.
Although it is about 18 pages long, the experience we have had
with our previous research projects showed us that people completed similar
questionnaires (some even a bit longer) in about 45 minutes. Many in fact,
appreciated the opportunity to tell what they have been feeling and experiencing.
Feel free to make comments, if you wish, on the questionnaire at any time as you
answer the questions. If you should happen to tire or otherwise get interrupted as
you are completing the questionnaire, that is okay. Take a break and come back to
it later, but do try to get it back to us within the next few days.
8. What happens in the group meetings?
Each group will be led by an individual trained by our professional
staff. The group meetings will give you the opportunity to talk with
others who are experiencing similar situations and to learn from each
other. You also could potentially obtain some new information to help
you take better care of yourself and adapt more effectively. You will
receive a workbook containing information that goes along with what is
covered in the group meetings.
9. Do I have to attend all the group meetings?
We hope you will try to attend all the meetings or at least as many as you possibly can.
We realize that there may be times when it is difficult for you to attend a meeting but it
will be helpful for everyone to attend regularly. You can also share your knowledge with
others in the group.
10. I'm afraid that I may have problems with transportation to the meetings.
Is there public transportation nearby that you can use?
Is there a friend or relative that can take you and pick you up when you up afterwards?
There is a possibility that you may meet someone in the group with whom you can travel
to and from the meetings. Our group leaders may be able to help arrange this for you.
If none of these are viable options, our project staff will help find a solution.
11. I am still not sure if I want to participate. Can I think about it
and get back to you?
Please get advice from friends and relatives. We also welcome
you and others to contact us if you have any questions.
12. I cannot use a pen or pencil so I cannot fill out questionnaire.
We will have a member of our project staff come to your home and
ask you the questions and write your answers for you. All your answers
will be held in the strictest confidence.
*Please know that your participation will be very helpful to us and other participants as well.*
