According to studies conducted in 2005 and 2010, approximately percent of adults in the united states reported experiencing obsessions or compulsions at some point in their lives, but only percent of them went on to be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Francine, a college freshman, has agreed to participate in a psychology research study. before she begins her participation, she reads a statement written by the researcher explaining the purpose of the research and the potential risks of participation. it also explains that francine is free to withdraw from the research at any time. in providing francine with this statement, the researcher has followed the ethical guidelines of for participants.