The Schaefer Lab
The Vanderbilt University Twin Research Center (VUTRC)
What is the VUTRC?
The Vanderbilt University Twin Research Center (VUTRC) is a contact list of twins in the state of Tennessee who have expressed interest in participating in future twin-related research studies. Twins can provide helpful information in research studies because of their shared genetics and upbringings. However, there is a small percentage of twins in the United States (about 3% of live births). We are creating this contact list to learn about the twin population in TN and to make it easier for researchers to contact twins in the area to invite them to participate in research, and easier for twins to have access to research studies. Through the application of twin studies, the Schaefer Lab aims to deepen our scientific understanding of the intricate relationship between environmental exposures, brain development, and individual psychology.
VUTRC Contact List Information
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How are participants selected to join the VUTRC Contact List
Research assistants in the lab reach out to people we believe are twins using public information. If twin pairs are interested in joining the study, they may contact our site at (615) 343-9235 or email us at VUTRC@vanderbilt.edu.
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What does the participant have to do to join the VUTRC Contact List?
Those who are interested in joining the contact list complete a brief online survey that provides us with updated contact information, eligibility, demographic and substance use screening, and MRI safety questions. Participants who complete the full survey are entered into a drawing for a gift card.
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What happens once the participant joins the Contact List?
Once the participant completes the survey in full, they are added to our contact list. This allows the Schaefer Lab to reach out to the participant in the future regarding research studies they may be eligible for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get paid/is there compensation?
Completing this survey in its entirety will enter you into a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card. Providing us with your
contact information will allow us to contact you regarding future studies that may offer compensation in the
future.
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What will the research studies involve?
Joining the contact list involves answering a simple questionnaire. Additional studies, if eligible, may involve completing further surveys or interviews in-person or online. Studies may also involve other forms of assessment, including brain scans. You will have complete control over what assessments you complete, if any.
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How does this benefit me?
Joining the contact last could allow you to join future research studies. Otherwise, you, or your children (if parent), may not directly benefit from being in the study.
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Why do you need twins?
Twins can provide helpful information in research studies because of their shared genetics and upbringings.
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What are the risks to joining this study?
If you choose to take part in this study, you may be asked sensitive or private questions which you normally do not discuss. Strong safeguards are in place to keep your information confidential. However, there is always a risk of unauthorized disclosure of your information.
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What happens to my information if I join the study and later decide to leave the study?
If you join the study and later decide you would like to opt-out, your information will be deleted from our database.
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