FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eligibility

I’m not 18 yet, but I will be soon. Can I still participate?

MAPme enrollment is currently closed. Participants had to turn 18 by October 2019.


I’m not a first-year student at Emory's College of Arts & Sciences or Oxford College. Can I still participate?

No, the study is was only open to first-year students.


I don’t have a computer or mobile device. Can I still participate?

Yes- contact the study team by sending an email to bgaddiction [at] emory [dot] edu to schedule an appointment to take the survey in person.


What am I consenting to?

You are consenting to anonymously answer a survey online. You can also donate your DNA to science, which is not required to participate in the study. You can read our entire consent form here.

Security & Privacy

How do you keep my answers private?

The information you provide to us is protected by a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health. The principal investigator and project coordinator keep your identifying information separate from your responses. This way, nothing you say can be traced back to you. The researchers will not disclose your information to anyone. Your responses and DNA will not be accessible by Emory University, The College of Arts and Sciences, Oxford College, or Emory University Hospital.


How do you secure data from the study?

Any records relating to your participation, including the list that links your participant number with your identity, is kept in a password-protected and encrypted data file, which only MAPme researchers can access.

Compensation

I finished the survey. How do I get paid?


For Phase 2:
Participants who complete all of the surveys and brain games between March 27th and April 14th will have Amazon gift cards sent to their Emory email. If you think you completed all surveys and brain games, but have not received your gift cards within 1 week, send an email to bgaddiction [at] emory [dot] edu.

Study & Lab Locations

Where is the BGA lab located?

PAIS Room 430 – PAIS (Psychology and Interdisciplinary Sciences Building) is located at 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30322 and is on the D Route and Loop Route of the Emory Shuttle.


Where is the MAPme Project located?

MAPme is located in PAIS Room 115.

DNA Sample

Why do you want my DNA?

To form a biorepository at Emory University that represents the diverse demographics of metro-Atlanta colleges and universities. A biorepository stores and manages biological samples, in this case, extracted DNA, for use in research. In the future, approved researchers will use the data to conduct studies, if you consent to the use of your data and DNA for this purpose. These studies will facilitate person-centered research and precision health initiatives that help to unravel individual differences that contribute to health and disease. By sharing your DNA, you can aid the discovery of new ways to keep people healthy.


How am I helping out by giving a genetic sample?

Your sample will help researchers answer questions about health, such as factors that can influence substance use and mental health disorders.


What are you doing with my genetic sample?

All of the data in the MAPme repository will be de-identified by removing your name and any identifying information from the data before it is sent. Your data may also be added to existing research biorepositories funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Participants can contact the study team to withdraw their consent at any time.
This research is covered by a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health. Your DNA cannot be used for any other purpose, including legal proceedings, paternity tests, drug tests, DNA cloning, or testing for genetic disorders. Your genetic information will solely be used for research.


How is my genetic sample collected?

You will collect your own sample when you pick up your compensation. You will: wipe the inside of your mouth with a sterile cotton swab, spit into a plastic tube, place the swab in the tube and then close the tube.


Will I get back information about my DNA/genes?

No. For confidentiality, samples are labeled with numbers and stored separately from any other information, including your identifying information. This means that your individual genetic information cannot be identified and we cannot provide you with any individual information. This includes information about your ancestry or genetic health risks.

Benefits

What do I get out of being in the study?

You will not directly benefit from participating in the study, but you will deepen your knowledge about psychological research. To keep up to date with the latest study findings, please follow us on Twitter and our MAPme News page. The results will help us better understand substance use and its relation to mood, stress, and general health and well-being. You will also get $15 gift card for completing the online survey and another $5 for donating a DNA sample.

Troubleshooting

I forgot or lost my access code and can't access my survey. What should I do?

Your progress is not lost. Please contact us at bgaddiction [at] emory [dot] edu. We will send you your access code so that you can resume from where you left off.


I lost the link or wasn't able to play the brain game to complete all the assessments. What should I do?

Please contact us at bgaddiction [at] emory [dot] edu. We will send you a link so you can complete the brain game.


I'm having other technical issues. What should I do?

Please contact us at bgaddiction [at] emory [dot] edu. We will gladly help you with any issue you encounter at any point in the assessments or brain games.


Withdrawing from this Study

I agreed to participate in this study. Can I change my mind?

Yes. Contact us at bgaddiction [at] emory [dot] edu. You can withdraw from the entire study or from sharing your genomic data at any time.

Questions?
Check our frequently asked questions (FAQs) or contact our team.
Email Us at bgaddiction [at] emory [dot] edu