Love Science

Wise Readers,

Welcome to Love Month at Love Science, where you’re proof that relationship research is more than academic; it’s imminently applicable, helpful and fun.  For 60 years, scientists have done their level best to discern what makes relationships thrive or dive.  Their primary tool?  Voluntary participation. 

Which is where you come in.  Now, you and your Sweetie can participate in the latest projects from some of the leading Love Scientists anywhere, including the esteemed Dr. Diane Holmberg and colleagues—and you can even have a shot at cash and other prizes for so doing.  So if you’ve been in a relationship for at least six months—regardless of sexual orientation or marital status—please click this link and get started on Study 1 or Study 2 now. 

And if you can’t participate, I’ll bet you know couples who can.  Please forward this column to them. 

If you do this, pat yourself on the back and accept my warmest regards.  No, I don’t get anything but a “Thank you kindly” from scientists whose work I endorse.  But I endorse their work because I know it’s vital.  And without volunteers like you, I’d never have anything to write about. 

So thanks much.  And remember: The love you save could be your own.

Cheers,

Duana

 Do you have a question for Duana?  Contact her at Duana@LoveScienceMedia.com

 All material copyrighted by Duana C. Welch, Ph.D., 2010

 

Here, the letter from Dr. Diane Holmberg regarding these projects.  The information also appears on the website linked above:

Researchers at Acadia University would like to learn more about what makes relationships tick, and are hoping you can help us out!  We currently have two studies available; both are conducted completely on-line, so they’re open to participants anywhere.  To take part, you must have been in a relationship (dating or married; heterosexual or same-sex) for at least six months. 

The first study, conducted by Kristina Hobson, a master’s student at Acadia, is investigating how couples cope with stress in their lives.  Partners fill out some background questionnaires, then complete a brief (10 minute) diary each evening for five days, Monday – Friday, describing stressors that either they or their partner have experienced that day.  The total time commitment for this study is about 2 hours, and it requires both partners to participate. 

The second study, conducted by Courtney Black, an honours student at Acadia, is investigating factors that predict relationship memories.  Part 1 of the memory study can be done immediately after completing the background questionnaires for Kristina’s diary study.  It involves describing two relationship memories that fit criteria we give you, and then filling out some questionnaires about those memories.  Part 2 occurs about one month later, and involves answering some questions based on your diary responses.  This study takes approximately one hour in total  (about 30-45 minutes for Part 1, and less than ½ hour for Part 2).

Alternatively, if you’re not able to participate in the diary study (e.g., partner is not available), then you could do the first part of Courtney’s study in a “stand-alone version”.  However, we do encourage you to do both studies if you possibly can, as it helps us learn more, plus substantially increases your potential rewards (see below).

By participating, you’ll help us learn more about relationships.  Plus, we promise to report back (probably around April, when the studies are complete) to let you know what we found out! Also, to thank you for your time and effort, we have an attractive prize draw available.  The grand prize is $1000 (Canadian) cash!  There are also other prizes available — $100 gift certificates that can win you a romantic seafood dinner for two, gift baskets, DVDs, and much more; or a shiny new red iPod nano.  Each part of the studies that you complete earns you participation points that can be entered into the prize draws of your choice.  For example, doing the “stand-alone” version of Courtney’s study earns you 100 participation points.  Doing all portions of both studies earns you 400 points, quadrupling your chances of winning.  Help us learn more about relationships, and help yourself win some attractive prizes, too!

To learn more, or to participate in the studies, go to www.research-on-relationships.com. Thanks, and we hope to hear from some of you soon!

Dr. Diane Holmberg

Professor of Psychology, Acadia University

Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada

diane.holmberg@acadiau.ca