Research Participant Information Sheet                  

Title of the Study

A qualitative study exploring the meanings attributed by women to running.

Description of the Study

The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding the meanings that women attribute to running. The study aims to understand women’s experiences of running, why they run and how running fits within their day-to-day lives. It is hoped that this knowledge will inform strategies used by health professionals when supporting women to engage in running as a health-promoting intervention.

What will happen if I agree to take part?

You will be interviewed and asked several questions relating to your experiences of running. The interview will take place in Plymouth University library, you will need to make your own way there but will be reimbursed for any travel expenses incurred. The interview will be conducted by a female researcher and will take place in a private room. The interview will be recorded using a digital voice recorder. Interviews are likely to last approximately one hour.

Are there any possible risks of taking part?

There are no experimental procedures or physical risks involved in this study. Emotional, social and psychological risks are anticipated to be low. Questions are not intended to be sensitive in nature, however participants may elect to refrain from answering any of the questions and can terminate the interview at any time. Within the interview there will be the opportunity for a debrief session if needed. The researcher will also be able to recommend additional sources of support if required.

Will my taking part in this study remain confidential?

Yes, your name and contact details will be kept confidential within the study. If you are quoted within a research report a pseudonym will be used. This will also apply to any individuals, organisations or institutions that you mention in the interview.

All data relating to the interview including audio files, transcriptions and coding sheets will be treated confidentially, and stored securely. Following the study data will be stored securely for a period of 10 years after which time it will be destroyed.

What happens if I do not want to carry on in the study?

Participation is voluntary and you will have the right to withdraw consent at any time.

What will happen to the results of the research study?

The results from this study will be submitted to Plymouth University in 2012 and are likely to be published and presented at conferences in 2013. You will not be identified in any report, presentation or publication. You can request a copy of the findings following completion of the research in July 2012.

Contact for further details

Thank you for considering participating in this study. If you have any further questions about the study or your rights as a research participant please do not hesitate to contact me at the addresses below.

Researcher name:  Shaan Ellor

Contact Email: shaan.ellor@plymouth.ac.uk

Faculty of Health, Education and Society,

Plymouth University,

Peninsula Allied Health Centre

Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BH