Document is current

Article History

Received: 14 April 2024

Accepted: 2 September 2024

First Online: 10 September 2024

Declarations

:

: The study was approved by the College of Education Ethical Review Board at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and the University Research Ethics Committee, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. The study was cleared by the University Research Ethics Committee, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana (UREC-UEW/23/012) and by the College of Education Ethical Review Board at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana (CES-ERB/UCC.EDU/V3/24–24).

: The study followed research protocols that validate the use of human subjects and approved with reference number CES-ERB/UCC.EDU/V3/24-24 by the College of Education Ethical Review Board at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and the University Research Ethics Committee, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana with reference number UREC-UEW/23/012.

: As a non-experimental study, informed consent was sought from the students. These students are higher education students, and they are assumed to be independent in taking decisions regarding activities they engage while in school, so, informed consent was sought from them personally and not through any third-party (e.g., parents). In this process, all the respondents were required to respond to an informed consent document, and they were obliged to participate without any sentiments. Aside from the above, the respondents for the study were made aware of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without consequence. The research team adhered to strict ethical standards throughout the data collection, analysis, and reporting processes to ensure the protection of respondents' rights and well-being. Following is the informed consent statement: ‘You are invited to participate in a research study aimed at investigating the relationship between curiosity and internet addiction among tertiary students in Ghana. The research aims to contribute to the understanding of factors that may influence internet use behaviour and potential addictive tendencies among this population. There are minimal risks associated with participating in this study. The survey questions do not involve any sensitive or personal information that could cause harm or discomfort. However, some individuals may experience mild discomfort when reflecting on their internet usage habits.There are no direct benefits to you for participating in this study. However, your participation will contribute valuable insights to the understanding of the relationship between curiosity and internet addiction, which may inform future interventions or preventive measures. Your responses to the survey will be kept confidential. No personally identifiable information will be collected, and the data will be analysed and reported in an aggregated and anonymous manner. The survey responses will be stored securely, and only the research team will have access to the data. Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty or consequence. If you choose to withdraw, any data collected from you up to that point will be discarded and not included in the analysis. Contact Information: If you have any questions or concerns about this study, please contact the Principal Investigator at imahama@uew.edu.gh/+ 233249124850. By ticking "I agree" below, you indicate that you have read and understood the information provided in this consent form and that you voluntarily agree to participate in this research study. I agree []’.

: None of the authors has an interest to declare in as much as idea conceptualization and conducting of this paper is concern.