Participant information sheet

(1) What is the study about? 

This study builds on research at the University of Sydney conducted by Associate Professor Cherry Russell, Dr Ian Hughes and Dr Andrew Campbell about Older People and the Internet. Despite the fact that older people are the fastest growing age group of Internet users, very little is known about how older people can use the Internet to support their health and well-being.  We want to find more about older Australians who use the Internet, what they use it for, and what benefits they derive from it.  Participants in the study will be Australian residents aged 55 years who use the Internet for any purpose.  

(2) Who is carrying out the study? 

The study is being conducted 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 (Sesquicentenary chair of Aging, Health and Disability);  Dr Ian Hughes (Senior lecturer and Chair of School Board),  and Dr Andrew Campbell (Lecturer) from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney. 

(3) What does the study involve? 

We want to find out if older Australian use the Internet to build social capital and to improve. The study will be conducted entirely online. It asks you to complete an electronic survey form. If you wish, you can see your results on some of the questionnaires soon after you complete them.

(4) How much time will the study take?

The study is set in 2 stages

1. Demographic data collection- 10 minutes.

2. Questionnaire- 35 minutes.

(5) 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.

 (6) 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. You may see your individual scores on some parts of the questionnaire on screen, if you wish.

(7) Will the study benefit me? 

The study will not benefit you directly. You may see your personal results on some parts of the questionnaire on screen, if you wish.

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

You may tell any body about the study. 

(9) What if I require further information? 

When you have read this information, the research team is available to discuss it further and answer any questions you may have.  If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact by email at ssum0068@mail.usyd.edu.au.

(10) What if I have a complaint or concerns? 

.Any person with concerns or complaints about the conduct of a research study can contact the research team at ssum0068@mail.usd.edu.au, telephone on

+612 935,193 90 or the Manager for Ethics Administration, University of Sydney on +61 2 9351 4811.

If you would like to participate in the study, please click here