Research Studies

Just thought I'd share something research-related that I've participated in over the past year that I've found really interesting. I'm not sure where all of you live geographically, so this might not be a possibility for all of you, but here in Nashville, Vanderbilt University & Medical Centers has a Research department where they study everything from Diabetes and heart disease to study methods and skills of college students and everything in between. Sometimes the studies are really intense and require hospital stays and serious procedures (these are usually only for people that have specific diseases or conditions) and sometimes they only require sitting down at your home computer and answering questions on a website for 10 minutes. (I'm doing one on Wednesday that required 45 minutes of computer questions at home ahead of time, and then an hour in the lab at Vandy answering questions in a face to face interview that is studying how people react to major life events.) As a graduate student conducting research, I think its really fascinating to see how other research is conducted, and to participate in the furtherance of the general body of knowledge. Plus, the researchers are always really appreciative to have found participants. Usually they have some sort of incentive as well, either monetary or sometimes in gift card format (I've seen Walmart and iTunes gift cards offered for the shorter ones.)

Anyway. Depending on where you live geographically, a university or medical center near you may or may not have research programs available that would apply to you. Just thought I'd mention it though. I've only participated in two studies, but they have both been rewarding experiences and as health education students, I feel like its a neat way to contribute to related fields. Food for thought.