College Alcohol Study
Dr. Kate Nooner, Principal Investigator
Who is Doing the Study?
The person in charge of this study is Dr. Kate Nooner (PI) of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. There may be other people on the research team assisting at different times during the study. This will include student research assistants who have been trained and are directly supervised by Dr. Nooner.
What is the Research About?
You are invited to participate in a research study about how changes in alcohol use may impact our daily lives. You may be asked to stop using alcohol. All research is entirely voluntary and approved by the UNCW IRB.
What is the Purpose of This Study?
By doing this study, we hope to learn more about how different events in our lives, including difficult circumstances, may impact how our brains work and our choices about alcohol. We are hoping that if we can understand how our brains may change from different events, including stopping alcohol use, we may be able to help people from the long-term negative consequences of problematic alcohol use.
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
The UNCW IRB approves our research. Depending on the study, you may be asked to complete surveys about things you may be thinking, feeling, and doing some experiences you may have had. We may also give you some surveys about your alcohol and drug use.
You may also be asked to have a 30-minute EEG electroencephalography. While doing the EEG, you will sit and relax for the first and second parts, and we will ask you to do a brief task on the computer. The whole EEG will not take longer than 30 minutes. You may be asked to do a few other tasks depending on the study.
If there is anything that you do not want to do, ask to stop or skip part of the survey. It is always okay to ask questions, take a break, or ask to stop at any time for any reason.
What is Electroencephal-ography (EEG)?
In EEG we put a cap with small circles, like a bathing suit cap, on your head that uses energy to get information about your brain and sends it to a computer. You will not feel anything during EEG but the cap may feel a little tight on your head. If you want to stop at any time that is always okay.
For a longer description of EEG, click here!
What are the Possible Risks and Discomforts?
Although we have made every effort to minimize discomfort, you may find some of the questions we ask to be upsetting or stressful. If so, you may also ask to speak with the study doctor, Dr. Nooner, a licensed clinical psychologist, at any time. If you have any concerns after you finish the study, you may contact Dr. Nooner directly at noonerk@uncw.edu or 910.962.2732. We can also direct you to a professional who may be able to help you with these feelings.
Will I Benefit From Taking Part in This Study?
You will not get any personal benefit from taking part in this study.
Do I Have to Take Part in This Study?
If you decide to take part in the study, it should be because you really want to volunteer. There will be no penalty and you will not lose any benefits or rights you would normally have if you choose not to volunteer. No one on the research team will behave any differently toward you if you choose not to participate in the study. You can stop at any time during the study and still keep the benefits and rights you had before volunteering.