Information sheet for participants
Researcher: Dr Kathleen Vancleef and student researchers
Durham University
Department of Psychology
You are invited to take part in a research study on the normal visual perception. The information below explains what is involved and how your data will be used. Please contact the researcher, Dr Kathleen Vancleef, if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information.
What is the purpose of the research?
Many stroke survivors suffer from visual perception impairments after stroke. Visual perception refers to how the brain interprets images from the eye. This can be more challenging after a brain injury like a stroke. For instance, people can have difficulties in recognising faces or in reading. We have developed a new screening test that will help detect these difficulties early on. We now want to find out the normal range of scores on our new visual perception screen.
The research has received ethical approval from the Department of Psychology
Ethics committee of Durham University and is funded by the National Institute of
Health Research.
What will happen if I take part?
You will be asked to complete a short health questionnaire, complete a short vision test, and all of the following vision task: counting items, matching objects, stating orientation of object, detecting complete shapes, copying objects, naming objects, reading a text or recognising faces.
- We might show you different images and ask you to tell us how many images
you see. - We might show you different images and ask you which ones are similar to
each other. - We might show you different images and ask you how it is oriented in space.
- We might show you different images and ask you which ones are complete.
- We might show you an image and ask you to copy it.
- We might show you a picture of an object and ask you what this is a picture of
or where you will most likely find the object. You will be given some options to
choose from. - We might you photographs of people’s faces and ask you which two photos
are from the same person. - We might show you a paragraph of text and ask you to read it out loud.
In total, it will take about 30 minutes.
What are the benefits and risks?
You will receive credits or a gift of approximately £3 in value as a thank you for taking part. We do not expect any risks associated with taking part. If you feel uncomfortable during any of the tasks, you can withdraw by closing the window or by letting the researcher know. The tasks are not carried out for diagnostic purposes, only for research. If you think you may have an undiagnosed medical condition then you should consult your GP.
Do I have to take part?
No, your participation is entirely voluntary. Your decision to participate will not in any way impact your present or future relationship with Durham University. You can withdraw from the study without giving a reason by closing the
website or letting the researcher know. Any answers you have given so far will be
removed. If you want to withdraw after you have completed the study, please
contact the researchers. Requests will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. See
our privacy notice for details.
What will happen to the data and the results?
Your participation is anonymous. That means your answers cannot be linked back to you. For more details, read our privacy notice.
Who do I contact if I have any questions or concerns about this study?
If you have any further questions or concerns about this study, please contact Dr Kathleen Vancleef at kathleen.vancleef@durham.ac.uk. If you remain unhappy or wish to make a formal complaint, please submit a complaint via the University’s Complaints Process which can be accessed here: https://www.dur.ac.uk/ges/3rdpartycomplaints/ .
Thank you for reading this information and considering taking part in this
research. Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions you might have now
or afterwards.
Dr Kathleen Vancleef 