Posted by stellabystarlight on November 11, 2008, at 11:49:01
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by lucie lu on November 11, 2008, at 10:41:00
> If this project was supported by NIMH, it was probably designed within a hypothesis-testing framework. I would venture the following guess about the project ;)
That the hypothesis, based on feedback about this site written in our posts, is that this sort of forum is helpful as adjunct to therapy. The project would therefore be to test this hypothesis by taking people in therapy or maybe in different stages of therapy, suggesting that they use this site, and getting feedback from them and also their therapists about whether participating on Babble helped them or not. At least that's what I would do in Bob's position and given his clinical interests. So we are not the subjects (we couldn't be anyway since we are anonymous) but the hope is that we will keep on doing what we do and participate with any new Babblers who were referred to the site. There's nothing to say that they couldn't stay on if they find it helpful.
So that's my entry for the "guess the study" contest :) If true, I wouldn't have a problem with the experiment per se unless, as discussed, there was an avalanche of new users. But I know I would feel a little weird at first and might not welcome newcomers as warmly as I would normally, maybe a bit more warily. Not proud of that, just being realistic about myself and that I tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers anyway.
Lucie
I agree with your guess, Lucie...I had the same thoughts about the study. Thanks as always for articulating my thoughts so well.So, late last night I was babbling about hoping that all 230 participants post here...well, if I'm being honest, I'm finding myself suspiciously looking around this morning to see which poster might be part of the study by guaging sincerity of their posts and whatnot. And feeling a little anxious about seeing a flood of green colored "new" flags all over the boards. And relieved and reassured to see familiar names like Lucie, Twinleaf, Dinah, etc...
I'm also scared of the unknown possible changes, but at the same time fascinated by what this research has brought. Maybe I've been reading too many psych books lately, but I can't help but notice all the transference/countertransference on the board since the research announcement, and be fascinated by it. I feel like a little kid nervous and excited at the same time...waiting at the top of the stairs to see who's going to come through the door.
Stellabystarlight
poster:stellabystarlight
thread:861412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20081003/msgs/862300.html