Couples Daily Interpersonal Experiences Study

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Welcome to the Daily Interpersonal Experiences Study!

About
This is a paid study. It is for couples only. Both members of the couple need to come to the orientation session and fill out the daily diary surveys.

Goal
The purpose of this study is to help us better understand the diverse range of experiences that influence African American couples' daily interactions. Specifically, we are interested in examining African American couples' attitudes and feelings about themselves and their partners, as well as the everyday experiences that shape their lives.

Although there is a lot of research examining romantic relationship functioning, most of this research has focused on White couples. Examining the unique protective and risk factors associated with relationship functioning among African American couples will help fill an important gap in our broader understanding of relationship functioning and quality.

Description
This research study explores how African American couples' daily interpersonal interactions influence their lives. Dr. Tracy DeHart, a social psychologist at Loyola University Chicago, and Dr. Anthony Burrow, a developmental psychologist at Cornell University, are the principal investigators of this project.

We are currently recruiting a community-based sample of 150 African American couples from the greater Chicagoland area to participate in our study. Our research project depends upon the dedicated participation of each and every couple in our study.

Procedure:
-First, you will be asked to go to a research lab on the campus of Loyola University Chicago for an orientation about the diary study.
-As part of the orientation session, you will be asked to complete a background survey about your attitudes and your relationships.
-Finally, you will be asked to complete a short on-line survey at the end of each day for 21 consecutive days.
*Please note, you will only have to go to the LUC Campus once for orientation, the daily diary surveys can be done at your own convenience at home*

Time Commitment:
-Orientation and the background survey will take a total of 2 hours.
-The online daily survey will take approximately 10 minutes per day for a total of 3 hours spread across the 21 days.

Study Compensation:
-$50 per couple for completion of the background survey and orientation (completed on the Loyola University lake shore campus)
-$125 per couple for completion of the 3-week daily diary survey (completed online each night for 21 days)
-Each day that both members of a couple complete the daily diary survey on time, you will receive a lottery ticket toward a grand prize of $500
-All payment will be mailed upon completion of the 3-week daily diary study

Eligibility Criteria:
-Must be at least 18 years of age.
-Both members of the couple must identify as African American.
-Must be married or cohabiting.
-Must be living together, not commuting.
-Must BOTH have access to the internet and be able to complete the online daily diary study each night just before going to bed.

Additional Information:
-All of the data we collect will be completely confidential.
The researchers are happy to answer any questions you may have about the study.
-You will be free to withdraw from the study at any time after agreeing to participate.
-If you withdraw from the study or opt-out of any aspects of it, you will still be paid for the parts of the study that you do complete.

For more information, check out our website! http://couplesstudy.weebly.com/

African American Daily Interpersonal Experiences Study This research study explores how African American couples' daily interpersonal interactions influence their lives. Dr. Tracy DeHart, a social psychologist at Loyola University Chicago, and Dr....