Research for High School students

[Doctoral Researcher]

I am a clinical psychology student interested in understanding and improving success rates for student groups who have had difficulty in succeeding academically. My current thesis is on African American male students, so I would like to know what is the best way to ask these students to participate. Participation is basically filling out questionnaires. I'm already offering a free movie ticket and entry into 50$ raffle. Any suggestions on what schools and the best way to get participation?

[busbus]

On occasion, I have received unsolicited packets from doctoral students wanting information from me and/or my students. In some cases, I learned later that my name was given to the person by a colleague who thought that I would be willing to participate. In all honesty, I don't think that I ever responded to any.

However, I have participated when the doctoral student or a designee has presented the study to the staff via a staff meeting or some type of arranged meeting. I do believe that these were arranged at the approval of the building administrator.

Therefore, I would suggest that you contact the school districts that you wish to have their students' participation. The school districts will advise you whether their students could be participants. If so, the process/procedure that has to be followed. You may be given a list of schools and the persons to contact. However, I know that in my school district, parents of the potential study group have to be informed and provide written permission for their child to participate.

I hope that this information helps.

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[Doctoral Researcher]

This information does help. Thank you for taking the time to respond. This research will most certainly not be given unsolicited because it is not a survey approach. It is quantitative research in which students would have to agree to participate as well as have parental consent forms signed.

I do have districts and a list of schools that fit the population that I'm looking at - I'm wondering if calling or written proposal would be most efficient for initial contact?

[Boxcar]

I'd do both, actually. I'd send the written information, because it looks offical. I'd also call and ask to schedule a meeting with the person in charge - principal, head of the board, whoever. I'd also ask to present my idea in a brief format at the next parent meeting. I'm not sure of what these are actually called, but they have them in the community for parents to attend. Maybe a school board meeting? That doesn't sound right, but it might be.

I hope I'm making sense so far...

I do know one sure way to get students to participate in a questionaire. Tell them they get out of class to fill it out!

[busbus]

Hi,

I think that a call of introduction to the principal of the schools on your list should be made as a start. Perhaps, during this call you will give them a summary of your study and let them know that you are interested in having the participation of some of their students. Tell them that you will be sending a packet of information for them to read and that you will call them again in a specified amount of time for their reaction.

Your cover letter with the packet will have information for the principal to make contact with you, if he/she so desires, prior to your return call.

If you know who to contact at the school district offices, you can do the same.

I think that if you call first and talk with the principals and letting them know to expect a packet of information from you, they will look for it because they will be expecting it. However, if you just send it without notice, it's very possible that it will be put on the bottom of the pile to be opened at a later date - if ever.

Whatever you decide, Good Luck! :)