Research Consent Information

Everything you need to know about how your data contributes to validating the PUQ Goal Setting Framework.

1. What Is the Research About?

The study is titled: “Validating the PUQ Framework: A Mixed-Methods Study of Web-Based Goal-Setting Outcomes.”

The research aims to answer:

• Does the PUQ 9-step process lead to more satisfying and sustainable goal selection compared to traditional methods?
• Which steps of the PUQ are most impactful for users?
• How do internal vs. external motivations affect long-term goal persistence?
• What common challenges do users face, and how can the framework better support them?

2. What Data Do We Collect?

If you consent to research, we collect the following anonymised data:

3. How Is My Data Anonymised?

Your data is pseudonymised, not just anonymised. Here’s what that means:

• When you register, you are assigned a unique Research ID (e.g., PUQ-8F7A9B2C).
• All research data is stored under this Research ID — never under your name or email.
• The link between your Research ID and your identity is stored separately and securely.
• Research exports (CSV files for analysis) contain only the Research ID and your responses.
• No researcher analysing the data can identify you personally.

4. Who Has Access to My Data?

• PUQ Research Team: The principal investigator (Falade Olaitan) and authorised research assistants.
• No third parties: We do not sell, share, or provide your data to advertisers, marketers, or external companies.
• Academic reviewers: If the research is published, only aggregated, anonymised results are shared (e.g., “72% of participants reported increased goal clarity”). No individual data is published.

5. How Long Is My Data Kept?

• Active research period: Your data is kept for the duration of the study (estimated 3–5 years).
• After publication: Anonymised datasets may be retained for academic reproducibility, stored securely with no identifying information.
• Upon withdrawal: If you withdraw consent, your data is deleted within 7 business days.

6. Is Participation Voluntary?

Absolutely yes.

• Research consent is completely optional. You can use the PUQ platform without consenting to research.
• Choosing not to participate does not limit your access to any platform features.
• You can withdraw at any time without giving a reason. See our Withdraw Consent page.

7. Are There Risks?

The risks are minimal:

• Time: Surveys take 3–5 minutes each.
• Emotional: Some questions ask about goals, motivations, and challenges. If any question feels uncomfortable, you may skip it or stop at any time.
• Privacy: We use industry-standard security measures (HTTPS encryption, pseudonymisation, access controls) to protect your data.

8. Are There Benefits?

• For you: The PUQ process itself is designed to bring clarity, purpose, and a structured plan for your life goals.
• For others: Your participation helps validate a framework that could guide thousands of people toward more fulfilling careers and lives.
• For science: You contribute to evidence-based career development research, particularly relevant to the Nigerian and African context.

9. The Follow-Up Surveys (T2, T3, T4)

If you consent to research and complete the PUQ journey, we will invite you to brief follow-up surveys:

These are sent via email. You can ignore them or unsubscribe at any time without consequence.

10. Your Rights

• ✅ Right to consent or decline — entirely your choice.
• ✅ Right to withdraw — at any time, for any reason.
• ✅ Right to access — you may request a copy of your data.
• ✅ Right to deletion — you may request full data removal.
• ✅ Right to ask questions — contact us anytime.

11. Contact & Questions

If you have any questions about this research, your data, or your rights, please contact:

Last updated: January 2026 · PUQ Goal Setting Platform · puq.awaketopowercom.com