Thank you for taking time to do this survey.

This survey is COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS. You will NOT be asked to write your name, any identification number (student, I/C, telephone) or address in this survey (unless you agree to participate in the interview).

The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete.

You are asked to participate in a research study conducted by Sindy Teo, from the School of Humanities at Nanyang Technological University. This study is being conducted as part of an undergraduate Final Year Project. Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. This study intends to investigate the types of settings in which young individuals consider elderspeak to be more or less suitable, as they will be shouldering the responsibility of caring for an ageing society in the near future. This research also aims to discover if the characteristics of elderspeak in English are present in Mandarin.

I understand the following:
I am about to participate in a study conducted by an undergraduate student in Linguistics and Multilingual Studies at Nanyang Technological University. My participation will entail completing this survey, my participation is completely voluntary, and that no penalty or disadvantage will accrue to me for non-participation, nor any benefit for participation; that I may withdraw from the study at any time, and may refuse to answer any question I am asked, without stating any reasons; that I may participate anonymously or under a pseudonym, and will not be asked for my name during the study. No record will be kept of my name if I wish to remain anonymous; that even if anonymity is not important to me and I give my name to the investigator, my name will never be revealed in written or oral presentations of the study; that I may contact Dr. Francesco Cavallaro from the Division of Linguistics and Multilingual Studies, Nanyang Technological University, at cfcavallaro@ntu.edu.sg, 67905302, if I have any questions or concerns relating to this project or to my participation in it.


You are asked to participate in a research study conducted by Sindy Teo, from the School of Humanities at Nanyang Technological University. This study is being conducted as part of an undergraduate Final Year Project. Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. Please read the information below and ask questions about anything you do not understand, before deciding whether or not to participate.

  You have been asked to participate in this study because you have met the criterion for the study which includes: 1) young Singaporean Chinese adult aged between 21 to 35; 2) have interacted/ have seen someone interact with older adults; and 3) have at least 12 years of formal education learning Mandarin. In this study, apart from being Chinese, you must also be able to read or understand basic Mandarin. 

Purpose of this Study
Singapore, being one of the world's fastest-ageing societies, faces the issue of devising efficient policies to accommodate the growing number of senior citizens. Investigating underlying societal challenges, such as this demographic's linguistic demands, can help us better understand the components that contribute to successful ageing. The study intends to investigate the types of settings in which young individuals consider elderspeak to be more or less suitable, as they will be shouldering the responsibility of caring for an ageing society in the near future.  This research also aims to discover if the characteristics of elderspeak in English are present in Mandarin. 

Description of Procedures
If you volunteer to participate in this study, you will be asked to do the following things:

Please read each scenario clearly before attempting the study. You will be asked on your opinions toward elderspeak. Do not that there are no right or wrong answers so please select the most applicable option. A 6-point Likert scale is used. In the survey you will see the options on a spectrum – 1 meant that it was Very Inappropriate and 6 meant Very Appropriate. 

This survey would take an estimate of 20 minutes and can be completed as and when you are available. All responses are anonymous and you can stop doing the survey at any point. 

Do note that elderspeak can be identified by using shorter sentences, simplified vocabulary, using endearment terms, statements with exclusivity, exaggerated intonation, elevated pitch/volume, repetition of words/phrase and dragging of words.

Risk and benefits
Emotional stress/discomfort, as well as unfavourable social, economic, and financial position, are considered to be "less than low" risks. Although there are no direct rewards to participating in this study, it is hoped that the findings will benefit the older adults in Singapore as well as caregivers who interact with the older adults. Please be reminded that your participation is entirely voluntary, you have the rights to withdraw from this study at any point time.

In the event of physical and/or mental injury resulting from participation in this research project, Nanyang Technological University does not provide any medical, hospitalisation or other insurance for participants in this research study, nor will Nanyang Technological University provide any medical treatment or compensation for any injury sustained as a result of participation in this research study, except as required by law. 

Confidentiality
Any information that is obtained in connection with this study and that can be identified with you will remain confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission or as required by law. You will remain entirely anonymous in this study, pseudonyms will be used in place of your actual name for the interview. 

Participation and Withdrawal
You can choose whether or not to be in this study. If you volunteer to be in this study, you may withdraw at any time without consequences of any kind or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. You may also refuse to answer any questions you do not want to answer. There is no penalty if you withdraw from the study and you will not lose any benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

Identification of Investigators
If you have any questions or concerns about this research, please contact Sindy Teo at teoc0059@ntu.edu.sg. 

Rights of Research Subjects
NTU’s School of Humanities Ethics Review Committee has reviewed my request to conduct this project. If you have any concerns about your rights in this study, please contact soh.ethics@ntu.edu.sg.

I have read, discussed and understand the information and procedures in the study information sheet attached to this consent form. My questions concerning the study have been answered to my satisfaction, and I acknowledge that I am participating in this study of my own free will. I understand that I may refuse to participate or stop participating at any time.