Electronic Diary Q&A

What is an ED? What does the ED do?

The ED (Electronic Diary) is a Palm Pilot that contains a special program for this study. The ED "beeps" participants randomly 5 - 7 times throughout the day, prompting them to complete a short interview on the ED about their mood, activities, and surroundings.

How much time will this study require?

This project involves a 40-minute training session followed by 7 days of carrying the ED, and a 40-minute follow-up interview at the end of the week. While carrying the ED, participants will: answer questions when prompted and initiate entries when appropriate. The two 40-minute sessions will take place at school or a local library or community center.

How often will participants be asked to carry the ED?

Participants will carry the ED 4 times over the next two years. The first time occurs after participants complete the Health Habits portion of the Health Connections study and then 6-months, 15-months, and 24-months after that first time.

Will the ED beep me during class?

Yes, the ED may beep you during class. Participating schools have agreed to allow their students to carry the EDs, and teachers know that the EDs may beep and prompt a student to complete a ninety-second interview. If you have a test or a teacher prefers that you not respond to interviews during class, the ED can be “suspended” for up to 3 hours at a time. During this “suspend,” the ED will not beep. The suspend function can also be used during other important events such as: religious ceremonies, team competitions, meetings, etc. Interviews can also be delayed if you are beeped at an inconvenient time.

Will students be paid for participating in the study?

Yes. For carrying the ED and completing interviews, teens will receive $40 for the first time, $50 for each of the second and third times, and $75 for the fourth time.

What if I lose or break the ED? Am I penalized?

No. We do ask participants to keep the ED with them at all times in order to hear the beeps, respond to interviews, and minimize the likelihood of losing or misplacing the ED. However if the ED is lost or breaks during the time that a participant has the ED, then we ask that they notify the research team immediately at our toll-free hotline (866-413-8824).

Will teachers or classmates know whether we participated in this study?

Yes, teachers and classmates will see participants carrying the EDs and will know that you are a participant in the study; however, no one will know any of your answers to the questions or whether you smoke or do not smoke. The information you enter in the ED cannot be accessed by anyone other than our research staff.

Who is leading this project?

Dr. Robin Mermelstein is the principal investigator and Dr. Kathleen Diviak is the project director for the Electronic Diary piece of the Health Connections study.