Title of Study: Can self-esteem affect the way we interpret facial expressions? A study outlining the relationship between implicit and explicit self-esteem and performance on a facial recognition task.

We are inviting you to take part in a research study. Before you decide, it is important that you know why we are doing the study and what is involved. Please read the following information carefully.

What is the purpose of the study?

This study aims to explore the relationship between explicit and implicit self-esteem in facial recognition, and to identify potential biases in interpreting facial expressions. The findings from this study can provide valuable insight into the issue of low self-esteem and its effect on social interactions. This study will be conducted entirely online, through an online questionnaire software called QuestionPro. You will be asked to complete one task on word associations, a brief questionnaire with questions on self-esteem, and a task where you will have to identify the emotion in a series of faces. It is required you use a laptop or computer with a keyboard for this study.

Am I eligible to take part?

You are being invited to take part in the following study because you are over the age of 18.

Do I have to take part?

Your participation is entirely voluntary. If you decide that you no longer wish to take part, you will not be disadvantaged in any way.

What will I be asked to do?

This study will take approximately 5-10 minutes. At first you will be asked to read an electronic consent form and make your own decision on whether you wish to participate in the study. If you decline to consent, then you will not be able to participate in the study. If you decide to consent, then you will be taken to a page asking your age and the gender you identify as. Next you will be directed to an implicit association test, which is a task where you will have to sort a word in the middle of the screen into categories on either side of the screen using the E and I keys on a keyboard. The use of a laptop or computer with a keyboard is required. You will then be asked to respond to a brief series of statements regarding feelings about yourself. Afterwards, you will be asked to look at some photos of people’s faces and decide on what emotion you believe them to be portraying. Once all questions are completed, you will be able to exit the study.

Will I be paid expenses for taking part?
You will not be paid any expenses for taking part. If you are completing this on SONA, you will be rewarded SONA points.

What are the possible benefits / risks of taking part?

Although it is unclear at this time the overall impact this study will have, your participation has the potential to greatly benefit the areas of social and clinical psychology, and findings from this study may be used to aid future research into the topics covered. This may allow for significant positive insights into self-esteem and its effects on human behaviour and attitudes. This study may cause you slight distress in regard to questions about your feelings about yourself. It is highly unlikely that this study will cause you significant harm, however if you feel like it has caused you any harm or distress, please do not hesitate to contact the self-help contacts at the end of this document.

Will anyone know I have taken part?

Your responses to this study are anonymous, meaning no one will know that you have taken part, and the researchers will not be able to identify you from your responses. If you are completing this study on SONA, then your responses are pseudo-anonymous, however your information is confidential and will not be known to the researchers. The information collected will be handled in confidence.

Where will my data be stored?

The data collected from this study will be stored securely in the university OneDrive in password protected files, with only the researchers able to access it.

What will happen if I don’t want to carry on with the study?

Due to the fact that the study is anonymous, it will not be possible to withdraw from the study after it has been completed. This is the same for participants on SONA. The researchers will not be able to identify you in any way. If you wish to withdraw part way through the study, simply close the browser and your responses will not be recorded. In addition to this, you can refuse to answer any question, and your data will not be included in the final data analysis.

What will happen to the results of the research study?

The results of the research study will be included in a dissertation research project for a Psychology BSc undergraduate student.

Who is organising and funding the research?

This research is being organised by Lauren Cockett at the University of Lincoln.

Who has reviewed the study?

All research conducted by the University of Lincoln is looked at by an independent group of people, called a Research Ethics Committee, to protect your interests. This study has been reviewed and given favourable opinion by a University of Lincoln Research Ethics Committee, Ethics Reference: 2024_12364

What if there is a problem?

It is very unlikely that this study would cause you any harm. If you have a concern or a complaint about any aspect of this study, you are able to contact the University of Lincoln Ethics committee through the email at the end of this document.

If you remain unhappy and wish to complain formally, you can make a formal complaint through the University complaints procedure or by contacting ethics@lincoln.ac.uk.

Further information and contact details

Self-help contact details:

NHS Mental Health Helpline Lincolnshire - 0800 001 4331

Samaritans - 116 123

Can self-esteem affect the way we interpret facial expressions? A study outlining the relationship between implicit and explicit self-esteem and performance on a facial recognition task.A study by Lauren Cockett

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Can self-esteem affect the way we interpret facial expressions? A study outlining the relationship between implicit and explicit self-esteem and performance on a facial recognition task.

A study by Lauren Cockett