Economic Research on Choice Overload

Middlebury College
Economics Experiment
Informed Consent Form
Principal Investigators: Jeff Carpenter, Emiliano Huet-Vaughn, Peter Matthews,
and Andrea Robbett
I freely and voluntarily consent to be a participant in this research project conducted through the spring of
2016. I understand I will be one of many people participating in this research. I have been told that there
are two parts: today I will complete a questionnaire expected to last less than 30 minutes and I will also be
asked to return to the computer lab in two months for a second session, expected to last another 30 minutes.
I understand that the purpose of this research is to examine the decision making of adults. To this aim, I
will be asked to make decisions with monetary consequences. I understand that the payment I receive for
my participation may be given to me either today or four weeks in the future, depending on my choices. I
understand that I am free to discontinue my participation at any time.
I understand that my name will not be recorded in the data. I will be asked to provide my Middlebury ID
number today and at the second session. My actual ID number will not appear in the dataset and this
information will be deleted as soon as I have received payment for both parts. I further understand that the
responses from all of the participants will be grouped together to provide general information about adult
behavior. These data may be used by Professors Jeffrey Carpenter, Emiliano Huet-Vaughn, Peter
Matthews, and Andrea Robbett over the next five years although they will be retained indefinitely. Though
the data may be shared with other researchers, my name or identifying information will never be attached
to the project or appear in the shared data. My participation in this experiment will be kept private to the
best of the researchers’ abilities.
I have been told that I am free to ask questions concerning the procedure. I understand that if I would like
more information about this research, I can contact Dr. Andrea Robbett, Assistant Professor of Economics
at 802-443-5654 or [email protected]. If you have any concerns or questions about your rights as a
participant in this research, please contact the Chair of the Middlebury College Institutional Review Board,
Michael Sheridan, at 802‐ 443‐ 5582 or [email protected].

I have read and I understand the above. I have been offered a copy of this informed consent form.

Participant's Signature

Date

Participant's Printed Name

I have explained and defined in detail the research procedure in which the participant has agreed to
participate, and have offered the participant a copy of this informed consent form.

Investigator's Signature

_________________________________
Investigator's Printed Name

Date