Thanks to all of you who responded. I'm not overly
concerned about answering the questions, although I was a bit suspicious because
the sender was using a Yahoo account. I guess what bothered me was the
vagueness of the sender. I quite possibly will respond, but it just seemed like
a sloppy way to get information. If she had told me up front what school she was
with and other pertinent information, I would already have answered her by now.
Thanks again,
Carol
From: David Wasieleski [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2006 12:28 PM
To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS)
Subject: [tips] Re: what would you do...
I am a student at ________ . I am a Psychology major, and for one of my classes I have to interview a person with a Bachelors Degree in Psych that is in the career that I would like to pursue. I would very much like to become a college professor, and I would appreciate it if you would agree to let me interview you if at all possible. We could do it over the phone, if that would be ok? Please let me know, thank you.
I replied that I would do so, and we set up a time. The idea of IRB approval never entered my mind (despite being somewhat suspicious myself), perhaps because this student is clearly completing an assignment. Like other who have replied, I would answer the five questions (none of which seem overly personal unless you choose to make it such), and maybe verify with the professor if I felt the need. But if you're not comfortable, simply say so to the student. They can find someone else (maybe from TIPS even). ;)
David W.
At 01:04 PM 9/14/2006, you wrote:
Dear TIPSters,
This morning, I received the following e-mail:
Greetings!
My name is ___. I am an undergraduate student majoring in psychology. I have a project that requires me to interview an experimental psychologist. I was browsing through the net and came across your profile and thought of writing to you. I won't be wasting much of your time, but I would be greatly obliged if you can kindly answer these five questions, as an experimental psychologist.
How did you get started in psychology?
Who was your most important mentor during the early part of your psychology career, and why?
What are the current major trends in experimental research in psychology, and what should we look forward to learning more about in the coming decade?
What two or three items are absolutely essential for every undergraduate student in psychology to know about experimental methods?
What are the job opportunities available for a student looking forward to pursue his/her career in experimental or statistical psychology?
Thank you heaps!
_____ .
I'm not all that suspicious, and tend to be somewhat naiive, but I'm developing a cynical streak, so I answered with this:
Hello,
I would like to answer your questions, but cannot do so until you identify the institution you're affiliated with and whether you have IRB approval for your study. I'm sure you understand.
Carol DeVolder
The response I got was this:
Hello,
I'm studying in University of _____ University College. My professor is okay with students interviewing an experimental psychologists through email. Please do reply. Thank you!
I've left out the identifying names, but I'm now perplexed. I'm kind of a stickler for IRB approval, but wondering if my cynical streak is getting too big. Any comments?
Carol
Carol DeVolder, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Chair, Department of Psychology
St. Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa 52803
phone: 563-333-6482
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
(By the way, I'm still planning on compiling the responses I got when I posted my plea for help under the subject line "My brain is fried..." Things just haven't slowed enough for me to do it yet, and once I thanked you all for replying but encouraged more replies, responses dropped off dramatically. But thanks again for coming through.)
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Associate Professor
Department of Psychology and Counseling
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA 31698
229-333-5620
http://chiron.valdosta.edu/dtwasieleski
"The only thing that ever made sense in my life
is the sound of my little girl laughing through the window on a summer night...
Just the sound of my little girl laughing
makes me happy just to be alive..."
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