Frequently Asked Questions
Thanks for thinking of participating in a research study!
Participating in research isn't a very common experience, so many people don't know what to expect.
Below are the answers to some common questions I receive.
What is a research interview?
Research interviews are conversations between participants (you!) and one or more members of a research team. During the interview, the interviewer asks you simple, straightforward questions about your life, covering topics like your neighborhood, community, friendships, family, education, and work.
How was I selected?
In the studies I support, all individuals invited to participate are selected randomly from a larger group of people who meet certain criteria.
If you were invited to participate in...
- The Young Adult Relationship Study: you were randomly selected from a group of people who filled out an online survey on romantic relationships and agreed to be contacted for future opportunities.
- The Community Study: you were randomly selected from all people who attended eighth grade in your county (Crittenden County, AR or Madison County, IL) in or around 1994 or 2007.
- The College and Career Decision Making Study: you were randomly selected from all students attending a community college in 2021.
We rely on public records and the information respondents provide to contact participants. Sometimes we contact the wrong people! If you believe you have been contacted in error, please let us know, and we will remove you from our list.
How are research interviews conducted?
Interviews are conducted in-person, over the phone, or on video call, depending on the design of the study. The studies I work on use all three methods. The length of the interview depends on the number of questions and the depth of your responses. We tend to have flexible schedules and can plan interviews based on your availability and preference.
Who is conducting social science research?
I'm an academic researcher, so all studies I work on are conducted by university faculty, staff, and students. All researchers are trained in ethical research practices and follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. All research activities are approved and closely monitored by an ethics board at the university leading the study.
The Community Study and The College and Career Decision Making Study are approved by the Homewood Institutional Review Board at Johns Hopkins University. The Young Adult Relationship Study is approved by the Institutional Review Board for Health and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. All of the information you share during an interview is confidential.
After the interview, our team removes all identifying information from the interview transcript (for example, names and places) and stores the transcript on a secure server. No one will know that you participated, and we take serious precautions to make sure your information can never be traced back to you.
Academic researchers will never share or sell your personal information.
Can I skip questions or stop at any time?
Yes. Participation in research is voluntary, and you can skip questions or discontinue the interview at any time.
Will I be compensated for my time?
Yes. Research participants for The Community Study and The College and Career Decision Making Study receive compensation via cash or electronic payment. Research participants for The Young Adult Relationship Study are compensated via gift card.
Is this political? What if I have unpopular opinions?
My work is 100% objective and non-partisan. I am a professional scientist committed to hearing, recording, and presenting your perspective accurately and without bias. I have spoken to people with a wide range of experiences and perspectives on family, politics, religion, and other sensitive topics.
I believe there are as many opinions as there are people in this world, and I respect and appreciate the contributions of all respondents equally.
This isn't really my thing... why should I participate?
As researchers, we believe it is important to hear from all kinds of people, not just those inclined to participate in studies. Your perspective is valuable and helps us understand the full range of social experiences in our world. Most people who participate find the experience rewarding and enjoyable. It is an opportunity for you to share with us what you think and feel about your life and the world around you.
If you are considering but unsure about participation, do not hesitate to reach out and discuss the process with us further.
