Participate in Research

Time Commitment

The course is self-paced and typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete if you spend 3-5 hours per week. You can go faster or slower based on your schedule.

What You'll Do

• Complete a brief demographic survey (anonymous, ~5 minutes)
• Take a pre-assessment to measure your starting knowledge (~20 minutes)
• Work through course modules at your own pace
• Complete quizzes and practice problems
• Use the AI tutor when you need help (if assigned to AI group)
• Take a post-assessment at the end (~20 minutes)
• Optional: Participate in a brief interview about your experience (~30 minutes)

What I'll Collect

All data is anonymous and protected according to UCLA IRB protocols.

• Learning data: Quiz scores, time spent, modules completed
• Usage data: Which resources you accessed, how long you spent on each
• AI interaction data: If you use the AI tutor, I'll analyze conversations (anonymous) to understand what types of help are most useful
• Survey responses: Pre/post assessments, self-efficacy scales, experience feedback
• Demographics: Age range, educational background, prior math experience (optional, helps understand equity implications)

• Voluntary participation: You can withdraw at any time without penalty
• Continued access: Even if you withdraw from research, you can still use the learning platform
• Privacy: All data is anonymized using random ID numbers, not linked to your email or name
• Data security: Data stored securely with encryption, following UCLA data protection standards
• No risks: This is minimal-risk educational research—you're just learning statistics
• Questions welcome: Contact me anytime at dabagh_safaa@smc.edu
• IRB oversight: This research is reviewed and approved by the UCLA Institutional Review Board

You're eligible if you:

• Are 18 years or older
• Want to learn introductory statistics
• Have internet access and a computer/tablet
• Can commit to working through the course materials

No statistics background required! This course is designed for beginners.

Do I get paid or receive compensation?

You receive the free statistics course (equivalent value to a $100-300 textbook and online course). There is no monetary compensation, but you gain valuable statistics knowledge at no cost.

What if I'm already taking a statistics class?

That's fine! Many participants use this as supplemental learning. However, please check with your instructor about academic integrity policies if you plan to use the AI tutor for homework help.

Will I definitely get access to the AI tutor?

This is a randomized study, so some participants will have AI tutor access and others will have access to curated resources without AI. Both groups get the full course content—the difference is the type of support available when you're stuck.

How do you protect my privacy?

You'll be assigned a random anonymous ID. Your email is only used for platform login and sending course updates—it's not connected to your research data. All analysis uses anonymous IDs, and published results report only aggregate findings.

Can I see the data you collect about me?

Yes! You can request a copy of your own data at any time. Email me at dabagh_safaa@smc.edu with your request.

When does the study start?

The pilot study begins Winter 2026. The main study runs Spring-Fall 2026. You can enroll on a rolling basis—courses start every few weeks.

What happens to the research findings?

Results will be published in my dissertation and submitted to academic journals and education conferences. I'll also share findings on this website so participants can see what we learned. The platform will remain free and open for future students.

Principal Investigator: Safaa Dabagh
Email: dabagh_safaa@smc.edu
Institution: UCLA Department of Statistics

UCLA IRB (Institutional Review Board):
For questions about your rights as a research participant, contact the UCLA Office of the Human Research Protection Program (OHRPP).
IRB approval number: [Pending]