112016-a-quest-for-companionship-how-playing-online-games-can-provide-social-support

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Hi all,
 
I'm conducting a University of California (UCI) study to find out how Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) gamers derive social support from online interactions. If you play an MMOG (such as World of Warcraft or Guild Wars 2) for five or more hours a week on average, are fluent in English and at least 18 years old, I would very much be interested in learning about your experience as a gamer making relationships online. For every one hundred people that participate, two free movie tickets will be raffled off.
 
The survey can be found here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iacf2zyztQQtwKc5itB23LWFFaQuIZuljPmiXjrHPcs/viewform?usp=send_form
 
For information about the study, please see below:
 
A Quest for Companionship: How Playing Online Games Can Provide Social Support
 
University of California, Irvine
 
Study Information Sheet
 
Lead Researcher: Ian Merion School of Social Ecology (408) 656-4259 / imerion@uci.edu Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Susanne M. Jaeggi School of Education / smjaeggi@uci.edu Other: Ellen Sheehan School of Educationesheehan1021@gmail.com
 
You are being asked to participate in a research study to explore the extent to which Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) facilitate the exchange of social support.
 
You are eligible to participate in this study if you play a (or more than one) MMOG for approximately five hours a week, are at least eighteen years of age, and can speak English fluently.
 
The research procedures involve filling out an online survey that will last for approximately 20 minutes.
Possible risks/discomfort associated with the study may include discomfort from answering questions of a personal nature.
There are no direct benefits from participation in the study. However, this study may explain the extent to which online relationships can provide social support, and how satisfying this support can be.
 
Your name will be entered into a drawing for two free movie tickets. There will be one chance to win for every 100 participants. If less than 100 people participate, there will still be at least one chance to win. All research data collected will be stored securely and confidentially on the lead researcher's My Drive account.
 
The research team, authorized UCI personnel, and regulatory agencies may have access to your study records to protect your safety and welfare. Any information derived from this research project that personally identifies you will not be voluntarily released or disclosed by these entities without your separate consent, except as specifically required by law.
If you have any comments, concerns, or questions regarding the conduct of this research please contact the researchers listed at the top of this form.
 
Please contact UCI’s Office of Research by phone, (949) 824-6662, by e-mail at IRB@research.uci.edu or at 5171 California Avenue, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92617 if you are unable to reach the researchers listed at the top of the form and have general questions; have concerns or complaints about the research; have questions about your rights as a research subject; or have general comments or suggestions. Participation in this study is voluntary. There is no cost to you for participating. You may choose to skip a question or a study procedure. You may refuse to participate or discontinue your involvement at any time without penalty. You are free to withdraw from this study at any time. If you decide to withdraw from this study you should notify the research team immediately.	
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