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Title of Research Project:

Adult Bystanders of Bullying: Does Attribution Theory Help Explain?
Investigator: Supervisor:
Larelle Dean Dr. Andrew McGrath
Student: Charles Sturt University School of Psychology
  Charles Sturt University
Email: Larelle J Dean bullyingresearch@hotmail.com +61 6388 4591
Email:amcgrath@csu.edu.au

Who Are Charles Sturt University and Why are They Contacting Me?

Charles Sturt University is an accredited provider of a range of Australian Psychology qualifications. You are being asked to participate in research conducted by Larelle Dean, a student at Charles Sturt University under the supervision of Dr Andrew McGrath as part of the requirements of the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology, Honours).

What is This Study About? And What Will I Be Asked To Do?

This is a study about adults' perspectives of possible bullying behaviours in teenagers, and factors that relate to whether they will be inclined to step in or ignore certain incidents.

As part of the research you will read one of six scenarios depicting an incident between a group of teenagers, and asked how you would respond if you saw this happen. You will also be asked to give some basic details about yourself (e.g. gender and age) and fill in a series of questionnaires designed to measure your personal attributes and perspectives. You will be asked to recall your experiences in Primary School, Secondary School and the workplace and report whether or not you were bullied. If you were bullied, you will be asked how often the bullying occurred, how severe you thought it was and whether you still experience any negative reactions as a result.

Most of the questions are multiple-choice style and four questions require more detailed written responses. The whole questionnaire is likely to take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Who is Eligible to Participate?

To participate in this study you must be over 18 years of age, and not be in a relationship with the researcher where you are dependent on them in any way (e.g. for financial support).

What If I Change My Mind About Participating?

Participation in this study is completely voluntary and you have the right to stop filling the questionnaire at any stage. If you choose to stop answering, any information that you have given prior will not be included in the study. However, once you submit your questionnaire, your responses will not be able to be withdrawn should you change your mind. This is because, in order to protect your confidentiality, no names will be taken and as such your questionnaire will not be able to be identified.

What Will Be Done With My Answers? Will anyone know what I have written?

Once enough questionnaires have been completed, the responses of participants will be collated and assessed. Results will be written up in a formal report and submitted to Charles Sturt University for assessment. It is possible that in the future the study will also be published in an academic journal. Please rest assured, however, that as you will not be asked to give you name and as you will be one of approximately 180 participants, you and your responses will not be able to be identified. You can be confident that your confidentiality will be protected.

Are There Any Risks Involved With Participating?

It is possible that some people may feel some level of discomfort when asked to recall past experiences with bullying. However, as mentioned earlier, you have the right not to answer any questions if you choose. If you believe that the topic of bullying may be particularly upsetting for you, you should not participate. If you do feel distressed while filling in this questionnaire, please stop answering questions and contact Lifeline by phoning 13 11 14 or on http://www.lifeline.org.au/

Please consider taking 30 minutes of your time to participate in this research. If you are willing to participate, you can be confident that your identity will be protected and that your responses will be valued and respected.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information.

NOTE: Charles Sturt University’s School of Psychology Ethics Committee has approved this project, reference 113/2012/24
If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this project, you may contact the Committee through the Executive Officer:
The Executive Officer
School of Psychology Ethics Committee
Charles Sturt University
Panorama Avenue
Bathurst NSW 2795
Tel: (02) 6338 4580
Email: psychethics@csu.edu.au

Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated fully and you will be informed of the outcome .