Research:Internet Use Survey

Internet Use Survey

My name is Augustina Hickinson and I'm a student of the University of Derby (Bachelors of Science in Psychology). I'm in the final stage of my program and I'm required to conduct a psychology research study. I have chosen to do a research on the use of Internet.

This research study will examine personality traits as predictors of Internet use and the impact this has on an individual's social relationship. Participation in this study involves, 3 short online surveys which should take approximately 15 minutes complete. Participation is completely voluntary and participants may withdraw from the study at any time (within 2 weeks after completion) by using the contact information provided on the second page of the survey.

Results from this study will not be used or reported in any articles, journals or any other forms of media at any time. This is strictly for academic use. The link that is attached does not tract personal information, so participation is completely anonymous.

If you have any other questions regarding the study, please do not hesitate to contact me by using the contact information below. I am the main researcher of this study.

Name: Ms. Augustina Hickinson Email: A.Hickinson1@unimail.derby.ac.uk

Please follow the link below to view the study:

https://derby.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bOqJcLhLvWtTFeB

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sincerely,

Ms. Hickinson

|start-year= 2015 |start-month= February 2015

|end-year= 2015 |end-month= April 10

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|open-access=

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}} I need participants for my research study to obtain data.

Key Personnel

None

Project Summary

Problematic Internet use and Internet addiction is becoming a great concern for many countries around the world. In a number of studies risk factors, which may contribute to Internet addiction, include: genes, environment, pathological and compulsive behaviour, low emotional well-being (e.g., self-esteem, stress, loneliness, type of social support) and personality. However, many of these factors pose some issues, as it is uncertain whether these factors are indeed precursors or consequences or both with respect to problematic Internet use/Internet addiction. The aim of this study is to identify personality traits as predictors of problematic Internet use/Internet addiction and whether these traits are linked to the psychosocial variables experienced by individuals as a result of Internet addiction. The study will also investigate the impact of Internet use on social relationship.

Methods

Participants will be required to complete 3 short online surveys (10 to 15 minutes to complete). Sample size should be no less than 300 participants ranging from aged 18 to 100 years of age. Males and females should have good command of the English language. Anyone can participate regardless of ethnicity, social status and educational level (must be competent in the English language).

Dissemination

Results will not be published in open access, but perhaps approval may be given by the institutional board concerning sharing of datasets with WMF.

Wikimedia Policies, Ethics, and Human Subjects Protection

If you have any questions or concerns about the institutional approval of this study, please direct your concerns to: Dr Lauren Kelly (Module Leader: Psychology Research Project) or Dr. Zaheer, Hussain (Psychology research Project Supervisor), at the University of Derby. N207, Kedleston Road, Derby. Tel: 0044-1332-591011

Benefits for the Wikimedia community

The results may be essential for the development of prevention strategies (early education/ awareness for parents and children, other family members, schools, employers etc), effective assessment (clinical understanding, knowledge regarding aetiology/ understanding factors and underlying causes) and applying the appropriate treatment e.g., psychotherapy (treating associated/ comorbid psychiatric disorders) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (abstinence and/ or moderate use of the Internet) in an attempt to avoid or decrease chances of Problematic Internet use or even Internet Addiction from occurring in the first place.

Timeline

Approximately 4 months

Funding

None!

References

These are some references pertaining to the study:

References

S, Agarwala., I, Das., and K, Kumar. (2009). Health Psychology. Allied Publishers Pvt.Ltd.

Dong, G., Lu, Q., Zhou, H., and Zhao, X. (2011). Precursor or Sequela: Pathological Disorders in People with Internet Addiction Disorder. PLoS ONE 6(2): e14703. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone0014703

H, Keser., N, Esgi., T, Kocadag., and S, Bulu. (2013). Validity and Reliability Study of the Internet Addiction Test. Mevlana International Journal of Education (MIJE). Vol. 3(4), pp. 207-222, http://dx.doi.org/10.13054/mije.13.51.3.4

K, W. Muller., A, Koch., U, Dickinhorst., M, E. Beutel., E, Duven., and K, Wolfling. (2013). Addressing the Question of Disorder-Specific Risk Factors of Internet Addiction: A Comparison of Personality Traits in Patients with Addictive Behaviors and Comorbid Internet Addiction. BioMed Research International. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/546342

A. Sun., L, Ashley and L, Dickson. (2013). Behavioral Addiction: Screening Assessment and Treatment. Central Recovery Press, NV. ISBN-13:978-1-937612-05-4

External links

Here is the link to the study: https://derby.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bOqJcLhLvWtTFeB

Contacts

Please see above