Critical Thinking for Tweens: Focus Group Screener (K-12 Educators)

Respondent Screener:
Focus Group Study of Educator and Tween Opinions Related to Online Safety and Privacy
Recruiting Goals
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Two educator groups (up to 8 people per group) and four tween groups (up to 6 people per
group) consisting of individuals from the South, Southwest and Midwest regions of the
United States will be held.
The groups will be segmented by age of students that they teach (educators) or their
age (tweens). See below for breakdown. The tweens groups will also be separated
by gender.
• 1 educator group – teachers of students ages 8-10, with preference for
teachers of educational technology
• 1 educator group – teachers of students ages 11-12, with preference for
teachers of educational technology
• 1 girl group – ages 8-10
• 1 girl group – ages 11-12
• 1 boy group – ages 8-10
• 1 boy group – ages 11-12
All participants must be able to read, understand, and speak English.
All participants who normally wear corrective lenses, contacts, or glasses to read must have
them with them during the focus group.
All participants must have access to a desktop or laptop computer or tablet with working
audio and video features and Internet or data access to use during the online focus group.
They must be able to use the device independent of outside assistance. Younger children
may have help initially logging into the focus group but should not have others present
when participating in the discussion.
Participants cannot be employed by a market research or advertising/communications firm.
Tweens will receive $100 for participating; educator participants will receive $150 for
participating.
Educator focus groups will last approximately 90 minutes; tween focus groups will last
approximately 60 minutes.
Upon consent, groups will be recorded via Zoom (audio and video).
Obtain consent/assent.
The identity of the participants will remain confidential with responses and key findings reported
in aggregate.
Participants do not have to answer any questions that they do not want to, but are encouraged
to fully participate in the session.

Focus Groups Screener

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Recruitment Script for Educators
Hello Mr. /Ms.
, my name is
and I
would like to talk to you about a focus group study we plan to conduct for the Federal Trade
Commission. We are recruiting people for an upcoming online focus group in which participants will
be asked to share their thoughts and feelings about information regarding online safety and privacy.
Would you mind answering a few questions to see if you are able to participate in the study?
Screening Questions
Q1.

Before I start, are you at least 21 years old?
[YES] Continue
[NO]
If no: Can I speak with someone at least 21 years old?
If no, TERMINATE IF not at least 21

Q2. Are you currently employed by a market research or
advertising/communications firm?
[YES] TERMINATE
[NO] Continue
Q3. Are you currently employed as a teacher?
[YES] Continue
[NO] Terminate
Q4. What ages of students do you teach?
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7 or younger TERMINATE

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8 Continue [Recruit max of 8 for ages 8 – 10]
9 Continue
10 Continue
11 Continue [Recruit max of 8 for ages 11 – 12]
12 Continue

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13 or older TERMINATE

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Q5. Do you teach any subjects related to technology or computers?
[YES] Continue — Recruit at least ½ of each group
[NO] What subjects do you teach?—Recruit no more than ½ of each group and note the subject
taught

Focus Groups Screener

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Demographic Questions
Q10. Are you male or female?
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Male
Female
Prefer not to answer

Q11. How old are you?
If the person refuses to report age, then say “I understand you don't want to tell me your age.
Which of the following category of age are you in?”
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21-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+

Q12. What is the highest level of education you have completed?
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High school (including GED) TERMINATE
Some college TERMINATE
College
Postgraduate

Q13. Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin?
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Yes
No

Focus Groups Screener

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Q14. What is your race? I am going to read several categories of race. You may choose one or
more categories as they apply. Are you… [Recruit a mix of races.]
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White
Black or African American
Asian
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
American Indian or Alaska Native
Other

Q15. On a scale of 1-5, how comfortable are you understanding and speaking English? 1 is very
uncomfortable, 3 is somewhat comfortable, and 5 is very comfortable.
[TERMINATE if 3 or lower]
Q16. On a scale of 1-5, how comfortable are you participating in a group discussion with
approximately 6-8 other adults? 1 is very uncomfortable, 3 is somewhat comfortable, and 5 is very
comfortable.
[TERMINATE if 3 or lower]
Q17. Do you have access to a desktop or laptop computer or tablet with working audio and video and
Internet or data access to use during the online focus group, and are you able to use the device
independent of outside assistance? Assistance during initial setup is acceptable, but no one else
should listen or participate in the discussion.
[YES] Continue
[NO] Terminate
From what you told me it looks like you are eligible to participate in the study therefore we invite you
to meet virtually with a group to discuss issues related to online safety and privacy products with about
7 other people who are educators. The discussion will last no more than 90 minutes, will be recorded,
and observed by the focus group staff. Your participation and everything you say during the discussion
will remain confidential. You will receive $150 for participating. Are you interested in participating
in this focus group?
[YES] Continue
[NO] TERMINATE
I’m glad that you will be able to join us! The focus group will take place on [INSERT
INFORMATION ON DATE, TIME, AND FORMAT]. If you normally wear corrective lenses,
contacts, or glasses to readplease remember to have them with you during the focus group.
Will you be available to participate at this time?
[YES] Continue
[NO] TERMINATE
Focus Groups Screener

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I would like to send you a confirmation letter and information for the focus group. In order to do so,
could you please tell me your mailing address (or fax number, e-mail address) and a phone number
where you can be reached:
Name:
Address:
City:
Phone:
Date of focus group:

State:
Zip:
Email:__________________
Time:

We are only inviting a few people, so it is very important that you notify us as soon as possible if for
some reason you are unable to attend. Please call [recruiter] at [telephone number] if this should
happen. We look forward to seeing you on [date] at [time].

Focus Groups Screener

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