Frequently Asked Questions
If your household has been chosen for a conversation with the American Voices Project, you will have received a letter in the mail from Stanford University. To learn more about the project, please read our frequently asked questions below.
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN VOICES PROJECT?
The simple mission of the American Voices Project is to listen to people from across the country to find out how they’re doing. It’s not a standard survey, but a commitment to listen. If your household was selected to participate, you will have received a letter in the mail from Stanford University.
WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?
The only way to understand what’s happening in our country is to listen to the voices of everyone. The good news: It’s not a survey. It’s a telephone conversation that most people find engaging and enjoyable.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
If your household has been chosen for a conversation with the American Voices Project, you will have received a letter in the mail from Stanford University. Please call the number listed on the letter.
WILL I BE COMPENSATED FOR MY TIME?
Yes. As a token of our appreciation, we will provide $100 to those who are interviewed. If you don’t need the money, please consider donating it.
IS THIS A GOVERNMENT SURVEY?
No. The American Voices Project is a joint initiative of Stanford University and Princeton University.
HOW WAS I CHOSEN?
Your household was randomly selected to be part of this study. We cannot talk to the millions of people in this country – that would cost too much and take too long. Instead, we randomly select a small number of households and talk to whoever lives at each address. This technique ensures that we hear from a cross-section of the entire population.
WILL MY ANSWERS BE KEPT PRIVATE?
Yes. All members of our research team are legally required to keep all information provided by participants confidential and secure. We will never identify you as having participated in the study.
DO I HAVE TO ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS?
No. Your help with the study is completely voluntary. Most people find the conversation very enjoyable. Some of the questions may be sensitive for some people. You may choose not to answer any question for any reason and may stop the conversation at any time.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Conversations take about two hours. Some conversations take a little less or a little more time.
WHERE DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Study information:
americanvoicesproject@stanford.edu
Information about your rights and privacy:
https://researchcompliance.stanford.edu/panels/hs/forms/for-participants