Update 2/26/2010: Thank you to all who have participated in this research. The survey is now closed.
I’m working on a new research project about how people manage identities across social networks, and I need your help!
If you are over 18, live & work in the U.S. and use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter on a weekly basis, could you please take my survey? It should take you about 10-25 minutes to fill it out.
Participation is voluntary, but if you complete the survey, you have a 1 in 50 chance of winning a $15 amazon.com gift certificate.
I’d much appreciate it if you pass on the link to this post to your contacts!
Please read the information sheet before you proceed to the survey:
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RESEARCH PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET
Managing Identities Online
Mihaela Vorvoreanu, Ph.D.
Purdue University
Computer Graphics Technology
Purpose of Research
This research project aims to understand how people manage their identities and relationships with various groups across social networks.
Specific Procedures
To participate in this research, please fill out this online survey.
Duration of Participation
Participation should take between 10-25 minutes.
Risks
All research carries risk. The risks associated with completing this research are minimal risks which are found in everyday life.
Benefits
There are no direct benefits to you from participating in this research. The questionnaire may help you reflect on your participation in online social networks. The research results may benefit society at large, because we need to understand cultural trends and practices.
Compensation
You may opt to participate in a random drawing for a $15 amazon.com gift certificate. To be eligible for the drawing, you must answer all the questions on the survey. One in 50 participants will win a $15 gift certificate.
Confidentiality
The survey does not ask for any personally identifiable information. All research reports will present aggregate data, or quotations without any context that makes it possible to identify the source. The survey results will be stored in a locked cabinet within a locked office at Purdue University for 5 years, after which, they will be destroyed. The project results will be disseminated at research conferences and in specialty research journals. The project’s research records may be reviewed by departments at Purdue University responsible for regulatory and research oversight.
Voluntary Nature of Participation
You do not have to participate in this research project. If you agree to participate you can withdraw your participation at any time.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions about this research project, you can contact Dr. Mihaela Vorvoreanu, 765-496-7709, mihaela at purdue dot edu. If you have concerns about the treatment of research participants, you can contact the Institutional Review Board at Purdue University, Ernest C. Young Hall, Room 1032, 155 S. Grant St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2114. The phone number for the Board is (765) 494-5942. The email address is irb@purdue.edu.
Documentation of Informed Consent
By clicking the link to proceed to the survey, I certify that I have had the opportunity to read this consent form and have the research study explained. I have had the opportunity to ask questions about the research project and my questions have been answered. I am prepared to participate in the research project described above. I can print out a copy of this information sheet for my records.
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The survey is now closed. Thank you for your interest!
Thank you!!!
Mihaela / Dr. V
Dr. V 
Dr V…
When I look at the evolution of tools I’m reminded of 1995, when web sites went from being the rage (with spinning logos and brochureware) to e-business functions becoming mainstream. I sense there is a movement away from the fad of anonymity & reputation management towards authentication & validation of what’s put on-line.
Hope you’re enjoying Purdue and that you’ll share your research.
Regards,
Edw.
Heather, James,
I’ve been going back and forth on this myself several times. I decided to narrow it down this way for now (and received a decent response rate for one afternoon). I think I will launch a second wave of the survey that’s a bit more “lenient” on the time frame.
I was just wondering, are these your observations alone, or have you happened to come across some usage pattern data about LinkedIn? – if so, could you please share them with me?
Thank you,
Mihaela
Sorry, but I don’t know anybody who’s on LinkedIn at least once a week
Most voracious social media users do not use linkd in on a daily/weekly basis.
We use twitter, facebook, and blogs – we might use nings and other things…but linkdin is only for people making connections for their professional life.