VCRG Panel Request Information

The online panel operated by the Lab was created to provide media researchers engaged in innovative work access to adult participants from all over the world. To request access for your research project, the following procedures and steps must be taken.

1. Official Panel Request Contact

First, email Terry Daugherty requesting use of the panel with the following information included in the message:

a.

Name of principle investigator and/or faculty sponsor if applicable.

b.

Brief description of the project with stated objectives.

c.

Data collection specifications such as sample size, if any data delivery requirements should be followed, and whether sample selection restrictions exist (i.e., randomization, quota, etc.).

d.

Requested start date and duration of study. Note that in order to effectively coordinate our resources and avoid panel member burnout / dropout, request to use the panel should be made at least four weeks prior to anticipated start date. However, a four-week lead-time is not guaranteed for conducting the research as this depends on the number of current studies scheduled.

e.

While UT IRB approval is not necessary for external faculty, IRB approval (i.e. human subjects) from the originating university is required. In this official email you must copy a UT IRB administrator on the message and state that you have received IRB approval from your university. Also, attach a copy of your IRB application and approval notification letter to the message. The Cc should be to: Olga Nuno.

A committee will then review the request to determine whether or not the study coincides with the mission of the Lab and approve access.

2. Research Instrument & Participant Incentive

The PI is responsible for constructing the survey and/or web experiment and for providing the funds for the incentive (i.e. a cash prize drawing), which may vary depending on the research budget and objectives. However, the standard cash prize drawing award offered to panelists for participating in research is $.50 for every required participant, set at an interval of 500. For example, 500 responses requires a total of $250 worth of incentives while 1000 responses requires a total of $500 worth of incentives, and so forth. The exact amount and number of awards can vary as there is flexibility in deciding the structure of the incentive you wish to offer (e.g., $250, $150, $100, etc.), yet the basic premise is that offering more winning opportunities may result in higher participation.

3. Administrative Cost

To cover the cost of operating the panel and administering the various studies, the department charges an administrative fee for using this resource. For more information on the cost contact Terry Daugherty. Once the administrative fee and cash prize drawing incentive award have been paid, the data collection is scheduled.