top of page

We are looking to talk to people (18+) who currently use or have previously used Buddy Project!

​

Project title: 

Buddy Project Use, Relationships, and Social Support

​

Principal Investigator: Dr. Nazanin Andalibi, School of Information, University of Michigan

Student Researcher: Madison K. Flood, University of Michigan

Student Researcher: Joyce Ho, University of Michigan

​

Research Objectives:​

The purpose of this study is to learn about users’ experiences with Buddy Project and what they believe contributes to meaningful and supportive social connections, particularly those facilitated through technology. This study will help us find ways technology can be designed to support young people.

 

The study entails an interview session during which we will learn about your experience with Buddy Project and related technology use (e.g., social media). The entire session will take approximately 60 minutes, and will occur over your preferred video or audio tool (e.g., Skype).

​

Information for Research Subjects Eligibility:​

Minimum eligibility criteria to participate in this interview study include the following: a) are a current user of Buddy Project; or b) have previously used Buddy Project but are no longer an active user; and c) use any type of social media; d) live in the United States; and e) are over the age of 18.

 

If you are interested in participating, we ask that you fill out a short screening survey that takes 2-4 minutes. If you are selected to participate, we will follow up with you to set up an interview time.

​

Compensation:​

We will offer a $15 Amazon gift card for participating in our interview study and allowing us to learn from you.

 

For further information:

If you are interested in participating in this study and have questions, please contact the study’s PI, Dr. Nazanin Andalibi at: andalibi@umich.edu

​

If you’re interested in participating, you can visit this page to fill in the screening survey, and we will continue from there.

​

The University of Michigan Health Sciences and Behavioral Sciences Institutional Review Board has determined that this research is exempt from IRB oversight.

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

You can read more about the actual interview study below:​

​

Invitation to be Part of a Research Study

You are invited to participate in a research study. In order to participate, you: a) are a current user of Buddy Project; or b) have previously used Buddy Project but are no longer an active user; and c) use any type of social media; d) live in the United States; and e) are over the age of 18.

 

Important Information about the Research Study

Things you should know:

  • The purpose of this study is to learn about users’ experiences with Buddy Project and what they believe contributes to meaningful and supportive social connections, particularly those facilitated through technology. This study will help us find ways technology can be designed to support young people.

  • If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete an individual interview that will be audio-recorded and transcribed (but not video recorded). The interview will occur over video or voice call of your choice.

  • The interview will take approximately 60 minutes.

  • Upon your completion of this study, you will receive a $15 Amazon gift card as a token of appreciation for your time and sharing your experience with us.

  • There are no obvious physical, legal, financial, or economic risks associated with participating in this study.

  • There are no direct tangible benefits to participating in this study. However, by learning from you, we can better design technology that would be helpful for young people.

  • Taking part in this research project is voluntary. You don’t have to participate and you can stop at any time with no penalties.

​

What is the study about and why are we doing it?

Buddy Project is a movement that pairs young people with buddies based on their interests. We want to learn about users’ experiences with Buddy Project and what they believe contributes to meaningful and supportive social connections, particularly those facilitated through technology. This study will help us find ways technology can be designed to support young people.

​

What will happen if you take part in this study?

If you agree to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete an individual interview that will be audio-recorded and transcribed (but not video recorded). The interview will occur over video or voice call of your choice(e.g., Skype). The interview will take approximately 60 minutes. 

 

How could you benefit from this study?

There are no direct tangible benefits to you from participating in this study. You will also play a significant role in helping us find ways we can better design technology that would be helpful for young people.

 

What risks might result from being in this study?

There are no obvious physical, legal, financial, or economic risks associated with participating in this study. The psychological effects on you will be no greater than the effect of having a conversation about your Buddy Project experience and your buddy (or buddies), as well as other social media use. If you feel uncomfortable at any time during the session, you may stop the interview or skip any questions at any time that you choose with no penalty.

 

How will we protect your information?

We plan to publish the results of this study. To protect your privacy, we will not include any information that could identify you in any way. It is possible that others may need to see the information you give us as part of the study, such as organizations responsible for making sure the research is done safely and properly like the University of Michigan IRB or government offices. To minimize risk of breach of confidentiality, all participants and their data will be given pseudonyms or participant numbers for recording and reporting purposes. Moreover, only the research team and transcribers who are bound to a confidentiality agreement will have access to the conversations. The recording of the interview and subsequent transcription will be kept on a secure U of M server. Data collected in this study will be retained for potential comparative research studies. A summary of the study’s results will be made available to you upon request.

​

What will happen to the information we collect about you after the study is over?

We will only use your email address to schedule the interview and to send you the honorarium. We will not ask for your name or any other personally identifying information.

 

How will we compensate you for being part of the study?

Upon your completion of this study, you will receive a $15 Amazon gift card as a token of appreciation for your time and sharing your experience with us. This will be emailed directly to you at the email you provide us with while setting up the interview.

 

What are the costs to you to be part of the study?

Participation in this research study is at no cost to you.

 

Your Participation in this Study is Voluntary

It is totally up to you to decide to be in this research study. Participating in this study is voluntary. Even if you decide to be part of the study now, you may change your mind and stop at any time. You do not have to answer any questions you do not want to answer.

bottom of page