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 being invited to take part in a research study about how difficult events that happen in our lives impact how our brains work and our choices about alcohol. If you take part in this study, you will be one of about 40 people to do so.
What is the Purpose of This Study?
By doing this study we hope to learn more about the ways in which different events in our lives, including difficult events, may impact the way our brains work and our choices about alcohol. We are hoping that if we can understand how our brains may change as a result of different events, especially difficult events, that we may be able to help people lead better lives after difficult events.
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
In this study you will be asked to complete some surveys that ask about some things you may be thinking, feeling and doing, some experiences you may have had. We will also give you some surveys to find out about your alcohol and drug use. If there is anything that you do not want to do, just ask to stop or to skip part of a survey and you can. It is always okay to ask questions, take a break or to ask to stop at any time, for any reason.
You will also be asked to have a 30-minute EEG, which is electroencephalography. While doing the EEG, you will just sit and relax for the first part and for the second part, we will ask you to tell us the emotions (happy, sad or neutral) of faces on the computer. The whole EEG will not take longer than 30-minutes.
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 910.962.2140. 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.