AREP Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get answers to my questions?
Email program director Carolyn Ybarra: alumnirep [at] stanford.edu (subject: Question%20about%20A-REP) (alumnirep[at]stanford[dot]edu).
I don't know my Stanford student ID, can I still participate?
Yes. Just leave the answer blank.
Do you really need my phone number?
No. That is one of the quirks of the system. We do not need it but are unable to delete the category. Please leave the answer blank.
What is a timeslot?
Timeslots for online studies are deadlines for completing a study. To take a study, you first sign up by choosing a timeslot under "view timeslots for this study" at the bottom of a study description. If your schedule does not allow you to finish a study before a timeslot deadline, you may cancel under "my schedule/credits" and sign up again in a later timeslot, if available.
What do I get for my "IRiSS Points?"
In AREP, alumni earn "IRiSS Points" for their participation, marking their contribution toward social science research at Stanford. Because the scheduler software we use is designed for students (and is used in universities across the country), it requires the use of credits or points. We have chosen points, which we hope are fun and motivating to participants. If not, please ignore them! In most cases, each study counts as one point. In addition, the prescreen survey counts as one point, and the feedback survey counts as one point.
If you earn a set number of IRiSS Points in a session (February - May), you will be entered in a drawing. See the FAQ page on the AREP scheduler for details.
Are my survey responses anonymous?
In the AREP scheduler and on online surveys, you are identified only by your numeric identity code. Researchers cannot see your name or Stanford ID. Please note that while you can email researchers directly, when you do so they may see your name. However, each project has a protocol to separate identifying information from collected research data.
What is the prescreen survey?
The prescreen survey provides demographic information needed for researchers to complete their studies. Although some questions are optional, please respond to as many questions as possible, so that researchers' data is as robust as possible.
I started taking a study, and the topic made me uncomfortable. Can I stop?
Absolutely! Your participation in each study is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw from a study at any time.
How do I use the AREP scheduler?
Basic instructions for using the AREP scheduler can be found in the AREP Guide.
Can my spouse participate? He or she did not go to Stanford.
Yes. Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to participate in the AREP.
How can I change my password?
Change your password under "my profile."
I forgot my password. How do I retrieve it?
Click the button on the AREP scheduler main webpage labeled "Forgot Password?" If you still have problems email the program director at alumnirep [at] stanford.edu (subject: A-REP%20issue) (alumnirep[at]stanford[dot]edu).
How do I know my information will really be kept confidential?
All Stanford researchers are required to take training sessions and demonstrate they understand all requirements for protecting the privacy and rights of human subjects in research. All research projects go through a strict review process with the Stanford Institutional Review Board, which oversees adherence to all applicable regulations.