Posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 11:52:34
In reply to Re: Research project, posted by Dr. Bob on November 10, 2008, at 2:39:37
Hi Dr. Bob - thanks for this post. It sounds to me as though certain folks with similar problems to 'ours' have been informed of PsychoBabble as a resource for themselves. I feel a LOT better after reading this post. Not that I was feeling dreadful, but somehow the result of th 'tone' of this post is that I feel comfortable with the idea of the research.
Thx, Kath
> Hi, everyone,
>
> Thanks for letting me know how you feel. :-) I'm trying to be careful about what I say because I don't want to bias the results. But if I'd wanted to set up an environment of secrecy, I wouldn't have said anything! The research participants will be followed for 3 months. 230 is the upper limit. They're not required to come. If they do come, they're not required to post. And they won't all come at once. Yes, it's received IRB approval.
>
> Like you, they'll be real people who come for support and education. Like you, they'll decide whether to ask for help or share joys and sorrows. Like you, they may need help getting oriented and will need to follow the board guidelines. Unlike some of you, they won't be finding this site by themselves. Please treat them the same way you would anyone else referred to this community by a third party. I'd rather let them decide what else to say about themselves. Like with anyone else, you'll decide whether to interact with them. Please don't jump to conclusions about or pressure them. I'm concerned that some newer posters may already be feeling unwelcome.
>
> I see anxiety as a natural result of change, especially with incomplete information. I apologize for not consulting with you all earlier. I think the reaction here was also a sign of the cohesiveness of this community and a desire to protect it from disruption. And I agree, a large influx of new posters could be disruptive. Do you think there should be some sort of limitation?
>
> There may also be anxiety about some posters being favored over others.
>
> I hadn't thought of the archives separately. But they may already be considered a resource for patients or trainees. What concerns do you have about that?
>
> Finally, I agree with Seldom, good can come of this -- for current posters, for new posters, and for the community as a whole. Let's try to be open to that possibility.
>
> Bob
>
poster:Kath
thread:861412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20081003/msgs/864176.html