Personality influence on Facebook Statuses

What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of this study is to investigate how personality correlates with student’s types Facebook use.

Why have I been chosen to participate?

For the purposes of the study a large group of adults have been chosen. The only restrictions are that the participant uses Facebook.

Do I have to participate?

No. Participation is entirely voluntary. If you change your mind about participation you can withdraw at any point during the experiment. This decision will not impact upon your course credit. Furthermore, you can also withdraw at any time in the two weeks following the experiment (with the presentation of participant number given). Achieved by contacting the study supervisor (Alison Kay) on the email address below and providing your participant information number. If you decide to withdraw, all your data will be destroyed and will not be used in the study. There are no consequences to deciding that you no longer wish to participate in the study.

What will happen in the study?

The study is 100% questionnaire based will consist of 5 parts; a demographics section, Facebook usage questionnaire, examples of 32 Facebook statuses and you will be asked how likely you are to post a similar status, a personality questionnaire and a provided an opportunity to post your last three Facebook statuses. There will be some strong language in this study.

What are the potential disadvantages of participation?

No disadvantages are anticipated however it will result in 20-30mins. If you do not feel that you can spare between 20-30mins then please do not participate. There is some strong language in the questionnaire, if you feel you will be offended by this please do not participate.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

As an undergraduate student taking part in this study it will give you an insight into how Psychology research is conducted and experience what it is like to be a participant. If you are a psychology student, this knowledge
could be used to shape and inform how you choose to design and conduct your own final year research project. If you are a psychology student, you will receive 30 research participation credits for taking part in the experiment.

What if something goes wrong?

If the experiment has to be terminated at any juncture, and for any reason, you will still receive your participation credits. If you change your mind about taking part in the study you can withdraw at any point during the experiment and at any time in the week following that session by contacting the study supervisors (Miss Alison Kay) via the email address stated below. If you decide to withdraw, all your data will be destroyed and will not be used in the study.

Will my participation/performance be confidential?

Performance will be kept anonymous, as you will only be identified on the score sheet via an arbitrarily assigned participant number. Consent forms will be stored separately. Once your data has been entered into a (password protected) computer file, your scores will only be associated with a participation number. Hard-copies of the data will be stored in a locked cabinet. Once the data is analysed, the raw data will be destroyed.

What will happen to the results of the experiment?

It is intended that the results of this study will be written up for a final year project and presented at appropriate conferences.

Who is organising and funding the research?

The research is organised by Miss Alison Kay This project is not externally funded.

Who has reviewed the study?

This study has been through the University Peer Review process and been supervised by David Hughes ([email protected]) and reviewed by an independent anonymous reviewer.

Contact for Further Information

Miss Alison Kay

Email: [email protected]

If you wish to make a complaint with respect to any component of this experimental procedure that you were dissatisfied with, you may contact Prof. Ian Marshall (Chair of Coventry University Ethics Committee) – email: [email protected]

CONSENT FORM
Study Participation

1. I confirm that I have read and understand the information sheet for the above study. I have had the opportunity to consider the information, ask questions and have had these answered satisfactorily.

2. I understand that I am providing consent for data to be collected via a questionnaire.

3. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any time, without giving any reason.

4. I agree to take part in the above study

I Agree

Gender

Male

Female

Other

Age

Ethnicity

Marital Status

Level of education

No Schooling

GCSE's

A levels/BTEC (Sixth form/College Equivalent)

Non-University Higher Education

University

Employment Status

How often do you access Facebook

Everyday

Three times per week

Once a week

Monthly

On average, how long do you spend on Facebook per day?

How often do you update your Facebook status

How often do you share links/posts?

How often do you upload pictures?

How often do you comment on others' statuses?

How often do you comment on others' photos?

How often do you post on your Facebook friends wall?

How often do you use Facebook for private messaging?

What devices do you use to access Facebook? (select as many as you use)

What device do you primarily use to access Facebook?

Where do you primarily access Facebook

How many Facebook friends do you have?

For the questions in this section, please indicate how likely you are to post a similar Facebook status (with regard to content and not style of language)

"Sad to hear Roger Lloyd Pack has died :/ one of the greatest actors ever"

"Trying to sound professional on an email, put a smiley face. Twat."

"One of the hardest lessons in life is letting go. Whether it's guilt, anger, love, loss or betrayal. Change is never easy. We fight to hold on and we fight to let go..."

"If you're a student in Manchester could you do this survey for me pleaseeee :D [link to survey]"

"Finally got a teaching placement. Bring it!"

"Off bowling with the flat mates! :D"

"I can't believe its been almost 3 years since we've been together... I love you and thank you for putting up with me for so long! <3 [tags partner]"

"Add me on snapchat! [snapchat user name]"

"Anyone wanna go out tonight?"

"Cant believe its been 6 years since I lost my best friend, miss you Grandad :("

"Major traffic around town, took me about 30 mins to get in! Watch out if you're heading in :)"

"I feel like I'm slowly spiralling out of control!"

"Fucking neighbours drilling upstairs again... Blasting the Rolling Stones it is then."

"Can't cope with this 14 hour shift with only 3 hours sleep"

"I would do some serious bad things for a McDonalds right now."

"What bus goes from town to the Brookhouse someone help me I'm lost lol"

“Woo 74% in DT Design paper, Still got the theory one to come but its a start! :D"

“Benefits street is an absolute joke! People clearly claiming to be ‘jobseekers’ when they have no intention whatsoever of doing a days work!! It infuriates me.”

"Guess who's going to see McBusted!? I can die happy."

"So last night after walking home from a successful evening at the pub, I happened to fall down a manhole. I was left there for a good ten minutes wondering how my life had ended up like this and where I had undoubtedly gone wrong when [tags friend] noticed, dragged me and my damaged leg out and carried me sobbing to bed to which I asked him if he wouldn't awfully mind singing 'I will survive' as it seemed highly appropriate.”

"Amazing night with the girls! <3 love you guys! [tags friends]”

"I've never been happier, so content with life right now, maybe not everything is perfect, but i'm getting there"

"Add me on BBM [insert BBM pin]"

"Its such a nice day, summer needs to hurry up!"

"Got a spare ticket to see Jimmy Carr tomorrow if anyone wants to come?"

"Date night with [insert partners name] <3 ^.^"

"Due to the weather tonight's gig will have to be cancelled, sorry everyone!"

"RIP [name of friend], gonna miss you so much :'("

"So I'm so stressed I can't sleep which means I pass out and miss a load of stuff which has stressed me more. I wish I didn't get so stressed!"

"Funnily enough i'm not here for you to run back to when things go tits up with your bird. I don't give second chances and I learn from my mistakes."

"Never give up on what you believe in, or what you want. Always comes back to bite you on the arse. Even if you don't expect it."

Please copy your last Facebook status below (Please replace any names with 'XXX')

Please copy your second to last Facebook status below (Please replace any names with 'XXX')

Please copy your third to last Facebook status below (Please replace any names with 'XXX')

I worry about things.

I get angry easily.

I am often down in the dumps.

I am afraid that I will do the wrong thing.

I don't know why I do some of the things I do.

I can't make up my mind.

I make friends easily.

I love large parties.

I try to lead others.

I am always busy.

I radiate joy.

I am afraid of many things.

I get irritated easily.

I have frequent mood swings.

I find it difficult to approach others.

I do things I later regret.

I get overwhelmed by emotions.

I feel comfortable around people.

I enjoy being part of a group.

I seek to influence others.

I can manage many things at the same time.

I love action.

I express childlike joy.

I get caught up in my problems.

I get upset easily.

I feel desperate.

I am afraid to draw attention to myself.

I go on binges.

I remain calm under pressure.

I cheer people up.

I involve others in what I am doing.

I wait for others to lead the way.

I react quickly.

I enjoy being part of a loud crowd.

I laugh my way through life.

I am not easily disturbed by events.

I am often in a bad mood.

I feel that my life lacks direction.

I stumble over my words.

I easily resist my temptations.

I know how to cope.

I often feel uncomfortable around others.

I love surprise parties.

I keep in the background.

I like to take it easy.

I enjoy being reckless.

I love life.

I don't worry about things that have already happened.

I am not easily annoyed.

I seldom feel blue.

I am comfortable in unfamiliar situations.

I never spend more than I can afford.

I readily overcome setbacks.

I am not really interested in others.

I prefer to be alone.

I am willing to try anything once.

I laugh aloud.

I adapt easily to new situations.

I rarely complain.

I am very pleased with myself.

I am not bothered by difficult social situations.

I never splurge.

I am calm even in tense situations.

I keep others at a distance.

I avoid crowds.

I don't like to draw attention to myself.

I like a leisurely lifestyle.

I seek danger.

I amuse my friends.

I seek quiet.

I hold back my opinions.

I let things proceed at their own pace.

I dislike loud music.

I am not easily amused.

I love excitement.