You are being asked to take part in a continuing research study. Before you decide if you wish to take part, it is important that you understand why the research is being done, and what you are being asked to do.
Why is this research study being done?
Scottish Diaspora & Independence Referendum
You have previously engaged with us on one of our studies and gave us permission to contact you further at that time. This was part of the process of you providing consent and permission to us to use your data in our study, and to contact you for further data in the future. We really appreciated your input then, and very much hope you will continue to engage with us on this study.
The Scottish Government is considering holding another Scottish Independence referendum in 2023 and we would like to explore your attitudes towards Scottish Independence. There are two questionnaires. One for those who have returned and are currently living in Scotland one for those currently living outwith Scotland (so please make sure you fill out the right one!). These can be accessed on the questionnaire page.
We want to find out more about how Scots feel about any future Independence Referendum, and how they would vote, and who should be able to vote. We are interested to understand the views people have and what influences those views.
Who is conducting the research?
The research is being conducted by Dr Duncan Sim and Professor Murray Leith of the University of the West of Scotland. The research is being funded by the University. You can contact us through the contact page of this website.
What am I being asked to do?
You are here as a result of us contacting you following your participation in earlier studies we have undertaken. We hope that you are willing to complete this questionnaire and, if so, then please click on the link on the Questionnaire page, which will take you the questionnaire. By clicking on the respective research link you are agreeing to take further part in our study and provide more information to us. It should take no more than 30 minutes, although you may take as long as you like.
Do I have to take part?
No. Participation in any aspect of our research is entirely voluntary. Please feel free to not take part, but we would very much appreciate your input, if you wish to.
There is absolutely no obligation on you to take part. If you say that you will take part, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.
Will the information given to the researchers be confidential?
Yes. All information collected for this study will be held securely and in confidence; i.e. only shared between the two researchers. No individual will be identifiable from anything written about the evaluation and its findings. If you have any questions about the research, do not hesitate to contact us, the researchers, at the University of the West of Scotland.