Discipline

of Sociology and Social Policy

School of Social and Political Science
Faculty of Arts and Social Science

ABN 15 211 513 464

Catriona Elder
Associate Professor

Room 113
R.C. Mills Building
The University of Sydney
NSW 2006 AUSTRALIA
Telephone: +61 2 9310 3080
Email: catriona.elder@sydney.edu.au

Young Womens Experiences Growing Up with Disney Princesses

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION STATEMENT


(1)

(2)

What is this study about?

You are invited to take part in a research study about the experiences of young women growing up
with Disney Princess characters and films. My research aims to find out what is was like for young
women exposed to Disney Princess films and how the films affected them. The research considers what
participants remember about the films, including their favourites, dressing up as princesses, and who
else in their family or among friends liked the characters. The project also asks participants to reflect on
their attitude to Disney Princesses today. The results from this study will provide empirical evidence on
the role of media in the socialization of children.

You have been invited to participate in this study because you are the right age and have said that you
liked Disney Princesses growing up. This Participant Information Statement tells you about the study.
Knowing what is involved will help you decide if you want to take part in the research. Please read this
sheet carefully and ask questions about anything that you dont understand or want to know more
about.

Participation in this research study is voluntary.

By giving your consent to take part in this study you are telling us that you:
Understand what you have read.
Agree to take part in the research study as outlined below.
Agree to the use of your personal information as described.

You will be given a copy of this Participant Information Statement to keep.
Who is running the study?
The study is being carried out by the following researchers:

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 Yanisa Boonyawat is conducting this study as the basis for the degree of her Bachelor of
Arts (Honours)] at The University of Sydney. The research will take place under the
supervision of Associate Professor Catriona Elder.

(3)

(4)

(5)

What will the study involve for me?

You will be asked to participate in a qualitative online survey about your experiences growing up with
Disney Princesses. You will be asked to reflect on your childhood memories of the films and your
engagement with them, as well as how you feel about the princesses as an adult.

Information obtained from this questionnaire will be completely anonymous.

If you would like you will be given a summary of the results of the study when it is completed.


How much of my time will the study take?

The survey will be approximately 30 minutes.

Who can take part in the study?

(7)

The population of interest for this research are young women aged between 18-30 who grew up
loving Disney Princesses as children and who self-identity as Disney fans.

Do I have to be in the study? Can I withdraw from the study once I've started?

Being in this study is completely voluntary and you do not have to take part. Your decision whether
to participate will not affect your current or future relationship with the researchers or anyone else
at the University of Sydney.

If you decide to take part in the study and then change your mind later, you are free to withdraw at
any time. You can do this by exiting the browser. There is no consequence from withdrawing from
the study. If you do not finish and submit the survey the information you have provided will not be
published. The information you have provided will not be included in the study results. You may also
refuse to answer any questions that you do not wish to answer during the interview.

Are there any risks or costs associated with being in the study?

(8)

This is a low risk research topic. However for some people any in depth discussion of their childhood
has the potential to evoke unpleasant memories. If at any point during the survey you feel distressed
and/or uncomfortable do not feel the need to continue. If you wish to take a break, then you can
complete the survey later. Or as noted above if you find yourself unable to continue you can simply
withdraw and close the survey for good.

However if you are feeling distress these are online websites that can provide help in distressed
times.

Depression and Anxiety resources: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Mental Health Support: http://www.mindhealthconnect.org.au/

Are there any benefits associated with being in the study?

(6)

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(9)

We cannot guarantee that you will receive any direct benefits from being in the study.

What will happen to information about me that is collected during the study?

The data collected from the surveys will be completely anonymous hence no one will be able to
identify you. No one beside the researcher and the supervisor of this research will have access to the
survey answers.

By providing your consent, you are agreeing to us collecting and using your survey answers for the
purposes of this research study. Your information will only be used for the purposes outlined in this
Participant Information Statement, unless you consent otherwise.

Your information will be stored securely and your identity/information will be kept strictly
confidential, except as required by law. Study findings may be published, but you will not be
individually identifiable in these publications.

Any hardcopies of the data will be stored in a locked cabinet in Associate Professor Elders office at
A26 at R.M. Mills Building at The University of Sydney

(10) Can I tell other people about the study?

Yes, you are welcome to tell other people about the study.


(11) What if I would like further information about the study?

When you have read this information, Yanisa Boonyawat will be available to discuss it with you
further and answer any questions you may have. If you would like to know more at any stage during
the study, please feel free to contact Associate Professor Elder through email:
catriona.elder@sydney.edu.au .

(12) Will I be told the results of the study?

You have a right to receive feedback about the overall results of this study. Since the data is collected
anonymously if you wish to be told the results please provide your email at the end of the survey
stating that you wish to receive feedback. This feedback will be in the form of a short, one page
summary of the results of the study. You will receive this feedback after the study is finished.


(13) What if I have a complaint or any concerns about the study?

Research involving humans in Australia is reviewed by an independent group of people called a
Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). The ethical aspects of this study have been approved by
the HREC of the University of Sydney [2016/478]. As part of this process, we have agreed to carry out
the study according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). This
statement has been developed to protect people who agree to take part in research studies.

If you are concerned about the way this study is being conducted or you wish to make a complaint to
someone independent from the study, please contact the university using the details outlined below.
Young Women's Experiences Growing Up with Disney Princesses project number: 2016/478.
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The Manager, Ethics Administration, University of Sydney:
Telephone: +61 2 8627 8176
Email: ro.humanethics@sydney.edu.au
Fax: +61 2 8627 8177 (Facsimile)

This information sheet is for you to keep

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