Personality in Domestic Cats
Participant Information Sheet: May 2019 (version 3)
You are being invited to participate in a research study. Before you decide whether to participate, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and feel free to ask us if you would like more information or if there is anything that you do not understand. Please also feel free to discuss this with your friends, relatives and GP if you wish. We would like to stress that you do not have to accept this invitation and should only agree to take part if you want to.
Thank you for reading this
What is the purpose of the study?
In this study, we are investigating owner-reported domestic cat personality and the cat-owner relationship.
Why have I been chosen to take part?
Cat-owners, both male and female, aged 18 years or older are eligible to take part. The research is open for students as well as members of the public.
Do I have to take part?
Participation is voluntary. You can withdraw from the study at any time before submitting the questionnaire, without explanation, and without incurring a disadvantage.
What will happen if I take part?
If you choose to take part, you will first be asked to complete a consent form (you do not need to include your name). You will then be asked to complete a short questionnaire. Please follow the instructions given and complete the questionnaires alone and in private. Completing the questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes and will take place online.
How will my data be used?
The University processes personal data as part of its research and teaching activities in accordance with the lawful basis of ‘public task’, and in accordance with the University’s purpose of “advancing education, learning and research for the public benefit”.
Under UK data protection legislation, the University acts as the Data Controller for personal data collected as part of the University’s research. The Supervisor acts as the Data Processor for this study, and any queries relating to the handling of your personal data can be sent to Dr Minna Lyons (lyonsm@liverpool.ac.uk).
Further information on how your data will be used can be found in the table below.
How will my data be collected?
Online via the qualtrics survey system
How will my data be stored?
It will be collected on the qualtrics system and then stored on a password protected computer on a secure server
How long will my data be stored for?
Data will be deleted from the qualtrics system when transferred to the secure server. It will be stored on the server for 10 years.
What measures are in place to protect the security and confidentiality of my data?
No names will be taken
Will my data be anonymised?
Data will be anonymous, we do not ask for your name
Data will be used for a Master’s project. It may also be used for a conference presentation or journal article.
Who will have access to my data?
Only the student and supervisor will have access to individual responses.
Will my data be archived for use in other research projects in the future?
Data will not be used for other projects.
How will my data be destroyed?
Data will be deleted from the system.
Are there any risks in taking part?
The questions are not of a sensitive nature, so there are no perceived risks to taking part. However, you are free to withdraw from responding at any time. The study has ethical approval from the University of Liverpool Health and Life Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Psychology, Health and Society).
Are there any benefits in taking part?
The findings of this study will help us to understand the relationship between cat personality and the cat-owner relationship. There is also potential to be involved in a further behavioural study using cat fit bits, if you wish. There are no direct benefits for those taking part.
What will happen to the results of the study?
The results from the study will be reported in a Master’s project and may be disseminated in a peer-reviewed article or conference presentation. It will not be possible to identify individual participants.
What will happen if I want to stop taking part?
If you wish to stop taking part please exit the online survey. Data cannot be withdrawn following completion of the questionnaire.
What if I am unhappy or if there is a problem?
If you are unhappy, or if there is a problem, please feel free to let us know by contacting the Principal Investigator, Rebecca Evans (hlrevan2@liverpool.ac.uk) and we will try to help. If you remain unhappy or have a complaint which you feel you cannot come to us with then you should contact the Research Governance Officer at ethics@liv.ac.uk. When contacting the Research Governance Officer, please provide details of the name or description of the study (so that it can be identified), the researcher(s) involved, and the details of the complaint you wish to make.
The University strives to maintain the highest standards of rigour in the processing of your data. However, if you have any concerns about the way in which the University processes your personal data, it is important that you are aware of your right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office by calling 0303 123 1113.
Will my participation be kept confidential?
All answers to the questionnaires answered will remain anonymous. The data collected in this study will be stored on a password protected computer and all data is confidential. Only the researchers will have access to the data, it will not be made publicly available. The Data Controller for the study is Minna Lyons (lyonsm@liverpool.ac.uk) and the University Data Protection Officer, Mrs Victoria Heath, can be contacted on 0151 794 2148.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Thank you for taking part.
If you have any concerns/complaints or further questions about any aspect of the study, please contact the research student or supervisor(s).
Research Supervisors: Dr Minna Lyons (lyonsm@liverpool.ac.uk) Dr Gayle Brewer (gbrewer@liverpool.ac.uk)
Research Student: Rebecca Evans (hlrevan2@liverpool.ac.uk)