Questions and Answers About the Survey
Q. How long will the survey take to complete?
A. We have designed the survey to be completed in ten minutes.
Q. When should I take the survey?
A. We ask that you complete the survey as soon as possible, preferably within the next two to three days. We may follow-up with you if we do not hear from you. For the scientific validity of our survey, it is important that we have a high response rate.
Q. Who qualifies to participate in this survey?
A. This study is a survey of a random sample of primary care physicians. We found you by searching through public records for the names and addresses of physicians.
Q. What if I am not a physician?
A. If you are not a physician, then you received this survey by accident. Please do not take the survey. Additionally, we would appreciate you emailing Professor Hersh at and letting him know that you received the survey in error.
Q. Who wrote the survey? Who sponsored the survey?
A. Yale professors Matt Goldenberg and Eitan Hersh designed the survey. Dr. Goldenberg is a physician and researcher at the School of Medicine. Professor Hersh is a social science researcher, based in the Institution for Social and Policy Studies.
Q. How is the survey conducted?
A. The survey can be completed on paper or on a computer. The paper survey is enclosed. To take the survey on a computer, see instructions for online participation.
Q. Can someone take the survey in my place?
A. No. The survey focuses on the judgments of physicians. The validity of the survey depends on the survey being taken only by the independent recipient of this letter.
Q. Will I get paid for taking the survey?
A. No. We are relying on the generosity of you and other physicians to complete this research. Our singular goal is to advance knowledge about the medical profession and patient care. We are hopeful that you can contribute 10 minutes to help us in our research.
Q. How with the survey data be utilized?
A. This survey is an academic survey intended only for scholarly research. All the data will be studied in a confidential manner.
Q. What if I still have questions?
A. We are happy to answer your questions. You may email us or call our direct office lines at 203-436-9061 (Hersh) and 203-200-2520 (Goldenberg). You may also call Yale University’s Human Subjects Committee at 203-785-4688.