FAQ's

Frequency asked questions

(1) Aim of the study

The proposed exploratory study aims to address gaps in the current literature by:

Exploring the correlation between using the Internet and building social capital and improving well-being in elderly people.

"Social capital" can be defined as networks of social relations which are characterized by norms of trust and reciprocity and which lead to outcomes of mutual benefit. Social capital is a term that describes the practical value of relationships between people. It can have significant impacts on many aspects of our lives, including personal health, education, general prosperity, and local crime rates, for example. It refers to the networks of these relationships, the behavior of people within these relationships, the trust people have for each other, and the sense of identity people have with fellow group members.

(3) What is well-being?

There are a number of separable components of well-being: life satisfaction (global judgments of one’s life), satisfaction with important domains (e.g., work satisfaction), positive affect (experiencing many pleasant emotions and moods), and low levels of negative affect (experiencing few unpleasant emotions and moods)

The sense of well-being promotes physical and mental health, equipping people better to deal with various problems and stresses of life.

(4) Who is carrying out the study? 

The study is being carried out by Shima Sum (PhD candidate) and will form the basis for the degree of PhD at the University of Sydney under the supervision of Professor Mark Mathew ; Dr Ian Hughes, and Dr Andrew Campbell.

(5) What does the study involve? 

The study will be conducted entirely online. It asks you to complete an electronic survey form and also gives you the opportunity to say your thoughts and feelings through the use of a series of questions.

 (6) How much time will the study take?

Times will vary according to the individual. The study is set in 2 stages:

1. Demographic data collection- 10 minutes.

2. Questionnaire- 35 minutes.

(7) Can I withdraw from the study? 

Being in this study is completely voluntary. You are not under any obligation to consent to participate in.  You can withdraw from the study at any time.

(8) Will anyone else know the results? 

All aspects of the study, including results, will be strictly confidential. The researchers will not be able to identify individuals. If you agree to participate, you will be asked to make up a code number which will be used on your survey responses.  A report of the study will be posted on the project website and will be submitted for publication, but individual participants will not be identifiable in such a report. 

(9)     Will the study benefit me?

The study will not benefit you directly.

(10)     Can I tell other people about the study?

Yes.