FAQs
How much is the compensation?
For caregivers, total compensation can be up to $150:
$75 for stage 1 and $75 for stage 2
For youth, total compensation can be up to $325:
$75 for stage 1, $75 for stage 2, $150 for stage 3, and $25 for stage 4.
If your youth is not interested in the MRI but still is willing to participate in the cognitive games portion of stage 3, then they will be compensated $50 for stage 3.
How are we paid?
There are two different payment systems available depending on age! If you are under the age of 18, you will be compensated with an electronic gift card to Walmart, Target, or Amazon.
If you are 18 years or older, you can select to receive an electronic gift card to Walmart, Target, or Amazon or receive a reward through a platform called Tremendous. Tremendous allows you to select a payment method that works best for you, including numerous physical and digital gift cards, direct deposit to a bank account, Paypal, Venmo, and many more!
Can we still participate if we no longer live in the area?
Yes! Most of the study is completely virtual and can be completed from the comfort of your home. The only in-person portion of the study is the MRI, so if you no longer live nearby, you can talk with a member of our research staff about planning to travel to UNC.
Can we still participate if we don’t have WiFi?
Of course! You can complete the virtual stages of the study via phone call or a home visit from a research staff member. Some stages of the study can also be sent to you via regular mail. Please reach out to the study team if you’d like to discuss options for participating without WiFi.
How long does the study take in total?
- Stage 1 online questionnaires: ~90 minutes
- Stage 2 Zoom interview: ~3 hours
- Stage 3 in-person games and MRI: 4 hours
- Stage 4 online questionnaires: ~20 minutes
Do both the caregiver and child need to participate?
Although we would love for both caregiver and child to participate, it is not required. You may choose not to participate, or you can remove yourself from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.
Do we need to do every stage of the study?
Each stage of the study is voluntary, meaning you have the option to not participate in a stage if you don’t want to.
Can you explain the MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a machine that using a large magnet and radio waves to take internal images of the human body. The MRI will take place at UNC Chapel Hill in stage 3. During the scan, your child will be watching movies, playing games, or answering questions. MRI images are commonly used during research studies and emit NO ionizing radiation or radioactive energy. An MRI does NOT increase cancer risk. Your child can ask to stop the scan at any time.
Can we complete stage 2 and 3 in the evenings and on weekends?
Although our staff has most availability weekdays 9:00am- 5:00pm, we do our best to accommodate the busy schedules of our participants. However, if evening or weekend times work best for you, let our study team know and we’ll work with you to get you scheduled!
Can you explain your confidentiality policy?
Everything you share with the study team is completely confidential, meaning that as long as you’re safe, we won’t tell you things your child tells us and we won’t tell your child things you tell us unless you give us permission to share these things. All participant information is stored in password-protected secure folders. Any published information will be deidentified, meaning that none of your personal information will be publicly connected to the study.
Will you be testing anything on your participants?
This study will NOT be testing anything on the caregiver or youth. We are, however, giving tests that can be diagnostic, and we’ll have info about how your child thinks/feels and if your child meets criteria for clinical concerns/etc.
I’m interested. How can I get involved?
Visit calendly.com/sttarstudy to schedule a time to speak with a member of our study team and get started!