FAQ
A think-aloud session is a research technique where participants speak their thoughts out loud while they perform a task.
This method is often used to understand how people think and make decisions as they interact with something, like a website, a questionnaire, or any kind of user interface.
During a think-aloud session, researchers ask participants to try to verbalize their thought processes, including what they’re looking at, what they’re trying to do, and what is confusing or clear. This helps researchers gain direct insight into the participant’s cognitive processes, which can be invaluable for improving the design, usability, and user experience of a product or service.
A focus group is a research method where a small group of people come together to discuss and share their thoughts on a specific topic, product, or issue.
The group is usually led by a moderator who guides the conversation, asking questions and encouraging participants to talk openly with each other. This setting allows researchers to gather detailed insights about people’s opinions, beliefs, and reactions, which can be used to shape decisions or improve whatever is being studied. Focus groups are popular in market research, social science, and many other fields because they provide a dynamic environment where interactive discussions can reveal deeper understanding than individual interviews or surveys might.
Discussing symptoms of depression may lead to discomfort or distress, especially if it involves sharing sensitive or traumatic experiences. Participation in this study is voluntary; you have the freedom to choose not to answer specific questions, take breaks, or withdraw from the study at any point up to the start of Part II. Please be aware that due to the collective and recorded nature of the Focus Group discussions, withdrawal is not possible after participation in a Focus Group session has commenced.
We hope you will find the experience of taking part in the Think-Aloud and Focus Group session interesting and useful. You will have the opportunity to receive feedback from the study team on a short report of the overall research findings if you wish. Also, in the future, others may benefit from what we learn in this study.
Information obtained in this study will be anonymized and protected.
Personal information will be de-identified, ensuring that individual participants cannot be linked to the data shared in any reports or publications. Audio recordings from sessions will be transcribed and these transcriptions will be cleaned, de-identified and securely stored on UBC OneDrive. Only the research team identified on this document will have access to individual transcripts for analysis. The data will be retained for a period of 5 years. After this period, all data will be permanently and securely deleted to ensure privacy.
However, in the case of Focus Group sessions, please note that while we encourage participants not to discuss the content of the group with individuals outside the group, we cannot control what participants do with the information discussed.
Gift Card and Chance to Win $100 Amazon Gift Card: As a token of our appreciation for your participation, you will receive a $20 Starbucks gift card upon completion of the research activities. In addition, you will have the opportunity to enter a random draw with a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Please note that participation in this draw is optional.
If you have any questions or concerns about what we are asking of you, please contact the study leader or one of the study staff. The names and e-mail addresses are listed at the top of the first page of this form.
If you have any concerns or complaints about your rights as a research participant and/or your experiences while participating in this study, contact the Research Participant Complaint Line in the UBC Office of Research Ethics at 604-822-8598 or if long distance e-mail RSIL@ors.ubc.ca or call toll free 1-877-822-8598.