Basic Science Rotation
Our Partners
We had the opportunity to partner with Dr. Blake Butler, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and The Western Centre for Brain and Mind at the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Butler's research focuses on the role of experience and plasticity in the development of sensory systems, particularly in the context of hearing loss and restoration. His work integrates behavioral, neuroimaging, and anatomical approaches across various models. Additionally, we are collaborating with his master's student, Rafaela Platkin, whose project explores narrative engagement and listening effort in children.
Our Deliverable
Our deliverable for this project is a comprehensive recruitment strategy designed to support Rafaela Platkin's study on narrative engagement and listening effort in children. This strategy outlines actionable steps to effectively recruit a diverse and representative sample of participants, ensuring the study's findings are robust and applicable. By addressing potential barriers and proposing practical solutions, our deliverable aims to streamline the recruitment process and align it with the study's objectives.
01
Development of New Promotional Materials
Step 1 of the recruitment plan focuses on developing new promotional materials tailored to the study's goals. This includes designing engaging content and visuals, while clearly communicating key information to effectively reach identified target groups
02
Digital Outreach Strategy
Step 2 of the recruitment plan involves implementing a digital outreach strategy. This includes uploading digital versions of the promotional poster, creating an engaging social media video, and exploring ad functions to maximize the study's visibility and reach among target audiences.
03
On Site Engagement Strategy
Step 3 involves distributing promotional materials at community centers, schools, and healthcare facilities, as well as engaging in face-to-face interactions to build trust and provide detailed information about the study. This approach ensures a personal connection and encourages participation by addressing questions and concerns in real-time.
04
Monitoring and Optimization
Step 4 involves tracking the success of various outreach efforts, analyzing participant engagement metrics, and making data-driven adjustments to improve recruitment outcomes. Continuous evaluation allows the strategy to remain dynamic and responsive to challenges or gaps in recruitment.
Reflection
During my basic science rotation, I gained valuable insights into the complexities of participant recruitment for research, particularly when working with children. I learned how critical a well-designed recruitment strategy is for ensuring a representative and diverse sample, which directly impacts the validity and generalizability of study findings. Collaborating with Dr. Blake Butler and Rafaela Platkin deepened my understanding of how recruitment aligns with broader research objectives and the challenges involved in engaging specific populations. This experience enhanced my organizational and problem-solving skills, as I worked to design a practical and effective strategy tailored to Rafaela's study. It also emphasized the importance of ethical considerations and clear communication in research recruitment, lessons I will carry forward into future projects.