Introductory script, program applicants

INSTRUMENT 6

INTRODUCTORY SCRIPT FOR ADULT PARTICIPANTS

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OMB #

EXPIRATION:

STREAMS Introductory Script

Now that we’ve talked about [PROGRAM NAME], I want to tell you about a research study [PROGRAM NAME] is participating in. It is called Strengthening Relationship Education and Marriage Services, or STREAMS. This study is being done to learn about how services can help people improve their relationships and financial stability. You are invited to be a part of the study.

The study is being sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A group of researchers from the Mathematica Policy Research are assisting with it. The study is being done to learn how well programs like [PROGRAM NAME] work. This program aims to help people build better relationships with others and get and keep good jobs. The study will determine whether the program achieves those goals, and will help us learn whether there are ways these kinds of programs can be improved.

If you want to be in the program, you have to agree to be a part of the STREAMS study. If you decide that you do not want to be part of the STREAMS study, you will not be able to participate in [PROGRAM NAME]. We will give you information about other services that you can receive in the community.

Because space is limited and we cannot serve all of the people who are interested in our program, the research team from Mathematica created a computer program to randomly select which people will be able to participate in our program. The computer will place you into one of two groups: one group will receive [PROGRAM NAME] program services at no cost to them and the other group will not. The computer works like a flip of a coin—assignment to a group is completely random. The chance of being selected to receive services is not influenced by what you say to me or the staff at Mathematica. Everyone who agrees to join the study has the same chance of being placed into either group.

If you are not randomly assigned to participate in [PROGRAM NAME] program, you will be provided with information about other services available to you in the community, and you will be able to talk to a staff person about those other services.

If you agree to participate, we can start the process by calling the interviewers at Mathematica. They will obtain your consent and ask you some questions that will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Everything you tell the program staff or the researchers will be kept strictly private and will not be shared with anyone, except as required by law. Nothing will ever be said about you as an individual. Instead, information about you will be combined with information from other people in the study so the researchers can say things like “30 percent of people in the program are married.”

You will receive a $10 gift card in appreciation for your time spent answering the questions. A staff member from [PROGRAM NAME] will let you know which group you are assigned to after you complete today’s interview.

Do you have any questions about the study that you want to ask me?

Are you interested in participating in the study?

[If yes, please place the call to Mathematica at 800-XXX-XXXX.]

[If no, please thank him/her for taking the time to come in today and provide him/her with information about any services that are available to them, regardless of the fact that they did not agree to participate in the study].

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