University of California, Irvine
Study Information Sheet
Genes and Relationships - Individuals
Lead Researcher
Chuansheng Chen
Psychology
Professor, University of California, Irvine
cschen@uci.edu
Co-Researcher
Karen Wu
Psychology
Professor, California State University, Los Angeles
kwu25@calstatela.edu
Visiting Researcher, University of California, Irvine
karenw1@uci.edu
Please read the information below and ask questions about anything that you do not understand. A researcher listed above will be available to answer your questions.
You are being asked to participate in a research study. Participation in this study is voluntary. 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 or loss of benefits. 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.
You are being asked to participate in a research study to understand the genetic underpinnings of personality, behavior, and social relationships.
You are eligible to participate in this study if you are (1) 18 years of age or older and (2) have previously received genotyping services from 23andme, AncestryDNA, or FamilyTreeDNA.
The research procedures are completed at a place and time of your
convenience and involve
Uploading your raw genetic data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or FamilyTreeDNA through our website, Inscripta.net. Uploading your raw genetic data will take approximately 5 minutes.
Completing an online Qualtrics survey that will take approximately 25 minutes.
In total, the research procedures will last about 30 minutes.
Possible risks/discomforts associated with the study are: invasion of your privacy, a potential for a breach of confidentiality, embarrassment/social stigma, psychological distress.
The possible benefits you may experience from the procedures described in this study include learning about particular genes and their previously documented associations with personality attributes or social relationships. More broadly, we hope to increase knowledge on the social consequences of genes.
There are no alternative procedures available. The only alternative is not to participate in this study.
You will not be compensated for your participation in this research study. We will, however, give you gene-based personality or social feedback based on the raw genetic dataset that you upload. You will receive this feedback through our website after completing the online survey.
There is no cost to you for participation in this study.
Your raw genetic data file does not contain subject identifiers. To protect your confidentiality, we will not associate your genetic data with your username or email. When you upload your file, our system will automatically assign a numerical code to your file which links the file to your Qualtrics survey responses.
All research data collected will be stored securely and confidentially. If you choose to enter identifiable information (e.g., your email address) in the Qualtrics survey, we will strip the identifiable information from the research data. A list linking the code and your identifiable information will be stored electronically on a password-protected laptop computer in an encrypted or password protected file, separate from the research data.
Identifiers will be retained so that we can contact you through email with information about our future studies or follow-up surveys, if you choose to receive them. Only the research team will have access to information that identifies you to carry out this research study. Your identifying information will not be shared with others outside this research study.
The research team, authorized UCI personnel, and regulatory entities, may have access to your study records to protect your safety and welfare.
While the research team will make every effort to keep your personal information confidential, it is possible that an unauthorized person might see it. We cannot guarantee total privacy.
Future Research Use
Researchers will use your information to conduct this study. Once the
study is done using your information, we may share them with other
researchers so they can use them for other studies in the future. We
will not share your name or any other private identifiable information
that would let the researchers know who you are. We will not ask you for
additional permission to share this de- identified information.
Data Retention
The researchers intend to keep the research data indefinitely. The
researchers may store the data in a protected data repository,
through which authorized research personnel may access to the data.
The researchers may continue to use and store your information
indefinitely in this protected repository.
Any data shared with other researchers will not include your email
address or any other personal identifying information. In addition,
we will only deposit the minimum data required.
If, during the course of this study, significant new information becomes available that may relate to your willingness to continue to participate, this information will be provided to you by the research team listed at the top of the form.
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.
It is important that you promptly tell the researchers if you believe that you have been injured because of taking part in this study. You can tell the researcher in person or call him/her at the number listed at the top of this form.
Please contact the UCI Institutional Review Board by phone, (949) 824-6662, by e-mail at IRB@research.uci.edu or at 160 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-7600 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.
What is an IRB? An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee made up of scientists and non-scientists. The IRB’s role is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research. The IRB also assures that the research complies with applicable regulations, laws, and institutional policies.