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Date received: ________________
Protocol# ________________
University of Massachusetts Boston
Application to the
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Project Title Resisting racism: coping and empowerment to address negative effects on mental health
Grant Title __NA
Name Principal Investigator : Karen L Suyemoto, Ph.D_ Department : Psychology
Permanent Mailing Address (All Students) Department of Psychology, M-4- _____ , University of Massachusetts, Boston, 100
Morrissey Blvd, Boston, 02115
Principal Investigator
Affiliation:
X Faculty
Professional Staff
Graduate Student Research Advisor’s Name:
_______________________________________
Undergraduate Student Research Advisor’s Name:
_______________________________________
E-mail Address: Karen.suyemoto@umb.edu Office Phone: 617 287 6370
Fax Number 617 287 6336 Home/Alternate phone X
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If Applicable, Please Provide:
Co-Investigator Name Tahirah Abdullah, Ph.D Affiliation (see above categories) Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology
Department (and Institution if not UMass
Boston)________________________________________________________________________________________
E-mail Address: tahirah.abdullah@umb.edu Office Phone 617-287-7026
Study Coordinator Name Fanny Ng, M.A
E-mail Address fanny.ng001@umb.edu Office Phone:
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Protocol Information
Project Start Date: March 1 2014
Human Participants Interactions Start Date: March 1 2014
Project End Date: July 30, 2014
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EXPEDITED REVIEW
Project Title: Resisting racism: coping and empowerment to address negative effects on mental health
Researcher: Karen L. Suyemoto, Ph.D. & Tahirah Abdullah, Ph.D.
Project Summary
Using layperson terms, write a protocol specifically for IRB review. Please be concise in writing your
summary and be sure to fully explain all human participant interactions. Be sure to address all of the
following points in your summary.
Background Information
This study aims to investigate the impact of racism on people of color by investigating relations
between experiencing racism, mental health, and coping strategies. We will examine both direct effects
as well as possible mediation effects and interactions between coping and mental health in the ways
that these variables relate to racism. The study also pilots a measure of race related resistance and
empowerment and examines the ways that racism related resistance and empowerment may affect the
relation of experiencing racism to mental health and coping for people of color.
I.
Rationale
Racism results from the transformation of race prejudice and/or ethnocentrism through the
exercise of power against a racial group defined as inferior, by individuals and institutions with
the intentional and unintentional support of the entire culture (Jones, 1972; p. 172).
This definition captures racism both at an individual level as well as an institutional/cultural level. It
also addresses how racism may occur even if unintentional, which is particularly important given that
recent research has supported that more subtle, indirect and disguised forms of racism may be currently
more prevalent than overt, direct and intentional racism (Dovidio, Gaertner, Kawakami & Hodson,
2002). People of color are subject to overt racism, discriminatory stereotyping (which is often the basis
of overt racism), and more subtle racism or microaggressions. Most members of racial minority groups
report experiencing racially derived mistreatment (i.e. racial discrimination) over the course of their
lifetimes (e.g. Alvarez, Juang and Liang, 2006; Brondolo et al., 2009; Klonoff and Landrine, 1999)
with prevalence rates ranging 95 to 99% depending on what kind of racism and whether one is
measuring incidence in the last year or other the lifetime. Harrell (2000) reported that individual
experiences of racism vary depending on a variety of demographic factors (e.g. gender, socioeconomic
status, immigration background).
Understanding the experience of racism is important because a growing body of research has
shown that racism has a negative impact on both psychological and physical health and well being for
racialized minorities. As events that threaten an individuals’ well-being, racial/ethnic discrimination is
associated with race-related stress, lower life satisfaction and well-being (e.g., Deitch et al., 2003),
increased distress (e.g., Broman, Mavaddat, & Hsu, 2000; Jackson et al., 1996), emotional reactions
(Carter & Reynolds, 2011; Carter & Forsyth, 2009), psychological symptoms (e.g., Forsyth & Carter,
2012; Landrine & Klonoff, 1996; Kessler, Mickelson, & Williams, 1999; Klonoff, Landrine, &
Ullman, 1999; Sanders Thompson, 1996), and a variety of other negative health outcomes (Bryant-
Davis & Ocampo, 2005; Carter, 2007; Harrell, Hall, & Taliaferro, 2003; Loo, 1994; Lowe, Okubo &
Reilly, 2012; Scurfield & Mackey, 2001). In general, Carter and Forsyth (2009) cited “significant
relationships between perceived experiences with racism and… psychiatric and emotional reactions
…[that ultimately] compromise well-being” (p. 28). Chou, Asnaani, and Hoffman (2012) also found
that experiences with racism related to depressive symptoms and substance abuse for most minorities
as well as anxiety and eating disorders for African Americans and Asian Americans, respectively. In
Carter and Forsyth’s (2009) aforementioned meta-analysis, they concluded that the body of research on
racism and mental health and their own clinical experience supported that racism not only leads to
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potentially negative impacts on mental, physical, and emotional health, but may even “rise to the level
of trauma” (Carter & Forsyth, 2009, p. 38). Outlaw (1993) posited that racism can never be considered
benign or irrelevant as it is always considered by the person experiencing it as a threat, harm, loss, or
challenge regardless of intent.
Individuals experiencing racism enact a range of coping strategies to manage possible
detrimental effects. Although much debate surrounds the definition of coping, an integrative definition
is offered by Lazarus (1984): “constantly changing cognitive and behavioral efforts to manage specific
external and/or internal demands that are appraised as taxing or exceeding the resources of a person”
(p. 141). Coping can consist of active engagement in one or multiple individual and intersecting
strategies such as problem-focused coping (e.g., planning, decision making), emotion-focused coping
(e.g., venting feelings, humor), avoidance coping (e.g., denial, behavioral disengagement), and social
support coping (e.g., seeking help, advice, or comfort from others) (Eisenbarth, 2012). The enactment
of these strategies has been shown to be influenced by variables such as personality, behavioral
patterns, demographic factors, sociodemographic factors (Holahan & Moos, 1987), and culture (Chun,
Moos, & Cronkite, 2006). This is particularly important because different racialized minorities with
different modal cultural affiliations may cope in different ways. Microaggression research has found
“avoidance” coping (disengaging from dealing with or experiencing a stressor; Billings & Moos, 1981)
to be endorsed by Asian Americans participants. For example, findings indicated increased substance
abuse in response to subtle discriminations (Alvarez & Helms, 2001; Gee, Delva, & Takeuchi, 2007).
These findings are in line with studies that propose that avoidance or forbearance coping is culturally
congruent with the values of collectivistic cultures (Noh, Beiser, Kaspar, Hou, & Rummens, 1999;
Yeh, Arora, & Wu, 2006). In contrast, Kuo (1995) found that Asian Americans tended to use emotion-
focused (i.e., minimization, distraction, acceptance) coping strategies in response to racism (Alvarez &
Helms, 2001). Findings from another study supports methods of cognitive restructuring and problem-
solving coping as effective means of managing the psychological effects of racism, but only for Asian
Americans who strongly identified with their heritage culture and perceived low levels of racism (Yoo
and Lee, 2005). Other research has indicated that Black Americans primarily use social support coping
strategies in response to racial discrimination (Brown, Phillips, Abdullah, Vinson, & Robertson, 2011;
Kreiger & Sidney, 1996; Thompson Sanders, 2006). Two of these studies have suggested that Black
Americans also engage in a more active approach to coping with racial discrimination. Krieger and
Sidney (1996) found that "do something about it" and "talk to others" was the most endorsed coping
strategy combination in their sample. Similarly, Brown et al. (2011) found their Black college student
sample primarily endorsed active (problem-focused), emotional support (moral support, understanding,
sympathy), and instrumental support (advice, assistance, information) coping strategies in response to
racism-related stressors, while endorsing active, positive reframing, and acceptance in response to non-
racism-related stressors (Brown, Phillips, Abdullah, Vinson, & Robertson, 2011).
Overall, although there has been a small amount of research on coping with racism, findings
are inconsistent and within group correlates are rarely examined, particularly in interactions. This
project aims to enable both within and across group exploration of variables such as generation,
cultural affiliation, and gender that previous research suggests may affect experiences of and coping
with racism (Gutierrez, 1990; Brondolo et al., 2009; Harrell, 2000; Molix & Bettencourt, 2010; Blume
& Lovato, 2010; Peterson, Hamme, & Speer, 2002,Alvarez, Juang & Liang, 2006). Furthermore, the
majority of the limited research that does exist has been done with Asian American and Black
American samples; our study will also include Latino/a individuals and specific measures.
One approach of coping with racism that has been largely ignored in the research is
empowerment and resistance. Wright, Perez, and Johnson (2010) argue that empowerment is a subset
under the more general umbrella of coping. For example, Johnson, Worell and Chandler(2005)
conceptualized empowerment as a “process enabling [those] to access skills and resources to cope
more effectively with current as well as future stress and trauma” (p.111). While a definitive
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conceptualization of empowerment has yet to be finalized in the field, researchers often agree that the
word in its most basic etymological format suggests a process by which an individual may in some
way gain power. Researchers on empowerment have primarily focused on intimate partner violence,
disability status, and organization contexts. To date there has not been any published psychological
research that has quantitatively measured empowerment and examined its use to resist racism. This is
surprising given that there is long-standing and widespread recognition and discourse about
empowerment and resistance as having positive effects in the context of being of an oppressed group
(e.g. see Pinderhughes, 1989, or the large body of research in ethnic studies and history about civil
rights movements as resistance and empowerment). Bolton and Brookings (1998) understood
empowerment as “the capacity of disenfranchised people to understand and become active participants
in matters that affect their lives.” This definition is apropos when considering the empowerment of
racial minorities to deal with discrimination. We clearly need racially and/or ethnically sensitive
empowerment constructs that are tailored to measure racialized minorities’ experiences of racism
related empowerment. Given that there are no current measures that examine empowerment in the
context of resisting racism, the current study aims to evaluate a measure focused on actions that people
might take to resist racism.
Current Study
The current project attempts to understand the impact of various forms of racial discrimination
on racialized minorities’ mental health. The project also aims to explore what types of coping are
employed by participants to cope with racial discrimination and how this coping may ameliorate
anticipated negative effects of racism. Finally, given the lack of research on empowerment and its
relationship to coping with racism, a racism related empowerment and resistance scale is developed
and evaluated here in order to incorporate a new dimension to coping with racism.
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II.
Methodology
Overview
This is an on-line questionnaire study, recruiting participants from the UMass Boston
community, local area communities, and nationally through email listservs and other online
approaches. A maximum of 1000 participants will be recruited. The primary investigator (PI), co-
investigator, as well as undergraduate and graduate research assistants (RAs) from the investigators’
research teams will be working on this project.
Recruitment (see appendix B):
Participants will be recruited from the UMass Boston community, local area communities, and
nationally through email listservs and other online approaches. By using these multiple recruitment
methods we hope to balance convenience and accessibility with diversity within the sample.
Methods of recruitment will include:
1. Recruitment of students on the UMass campus: For student recruitment at UMass Boston, the
researchers will (a) send out emails to students in the general student community through the
established mechanism for approved studies, (b) utilize the psychology subject pool, (c) post
flyers on campus, (d) set up recruitment tabling at various times, (e) specifically request to post
flyers and distribute emails through student groups like the Asian Student Center, the Black
Student Center, etc., and (f) contact professors and request to make recruitment announcements
in classes that tend to have larger concentrations of students of color (for example, Africana
Studies, Asian American Studies, Latino Studies, Native American Studies, as well as major or
colleges such as Finance or Computer Science where institutional research indicates that there
are a large number of students of color).
2. Neighborhood flyering: The researchers will post flyers in areas around Boston that have a
large population of people of color according to census data such as Dorchester, Quincy, or
Jamaica Plain. We will also contact community based organizations serving people of color in
the greater Boston area to request that they post and distribute our recruitment flyer and
message. Such organizations may include Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, Asian
Community Development Center, Bird Street Community Center, Mattapan United, Madison
Park Development Corporation, North American Indian Center of Boston, and others. We
expect this list to grow as we snowball recruitment through requesting input on additional
organizations through participants and organizations.
3. National online recruitment: The researchers will also recruit through online approaches such
as listservs, and social media focused on people of color. Examples might include
angryasianman.com, bostonblackmba.com, alpfaboston.org, elmundoboston.com, mcnaa.org
and others. We will also specifically focus on listservs and other social media focusing on
professionals who are people of color (e.g. National Association for Black Journalists, National
Association for Asian American Professionals, Native American Journalists Association,
Association for Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting) and psychologists who are
people of color who may be more likely to complete such a survey (e.g. the listservs for the
Asian American Psychological Association, the Association of Black Psychologists, the
National Latina/o Psychological Association and the Society for Indian Psychologists). Again,
we expect this list to grow as we snowball recruitment through requesting input on additional
organizations through participants and organizations
a. We would like to specify in the National online recruitment section that we are
requesting input on additional people and organizations through the participants and
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organizations that we have already connected with for recruitment purposes. We are
proposing to e-mail invitations to potential participants referred by individuals who
completed our study and include a one line addition to our standard email invitation for
those individuals to say, “Your friend or acquaintance, (email address of person
providing the referral), gave us your email address and suggested you as a potential
participant for our study.” The reasoning behind this addition is to give context and
protect the referred person from feeling that they had been targeted, which is
particularly important for a study on racial discrimination (see Appendix B4 for sample
e-mail).
Part I of Survey- Original Protocol
Procedures:
Participants will be directed in recruitment materials to the PsychData survey website where they will
first be provided with an informed consent form outlining the anonymous nature of participation. Once
participants indicate informed consent, they will begin the survey. Some parts of the survey will be
common to all participants, while others will be given only to those who identify as of a particular race
(e.g. the Asian American Race Related Stress Inventory).
In the beginning of the survey, after obtaining informed consent, participants will be asked to self-
identify their minority race; this will determine the measures that will be administered to that particular
participant. Participants who indicate that they are multiracial with multiple minority identities will be
administered shared measures as well as race-specific measures for any of their identified races.
In order to establish test retest reliability for the Racism Empowerment and Resistance scale (REAR)
which is being piloted through this study, up to 250 participants will be contacted 2 weeks after initial
participation is completed to retake the REAR (see Part II of study- Test-Retest Protocol section).
At the end of the survey, participants who are not Psychology subject pool participants will be asked if
they would be interested in being entered into a drawing for one of several $200 gift cards. If
participants indicate that they would be interested in either of the above, they will be asked to provide
an email address for the researcher to contact them should they be the person selected to receive a gift
card. Alternatively, participants can elect to have the researchers make a $5 donation to the Southern
Poverty Law Center, an organization dedicated to supporting social justice and racial equity through
advocacy and education (up to a total of $2000 total). Those who retake the REAR to establish test
retest reliability will be given $10 in exchange for participation. Participants who are eligible for
course credit through the psychology subject pool will receive appropriate course credit according to
the rules of the Psychology department for course credit in exchange for research participation.
Measures:
A complete packet of quantitative measures including instructions is included in Appendix B.
Quantitative measures common to all groups include:
Measures of Racism
Multiple measures of racism are being given to participants in order to examine how the different
aspects of racism experiences captured by each of these scales may relate to differences in mental
health, coping, or empowerment. More traditional forms of overt racism are captured by the GED,
subtle forms of everyday racism like microaggressions are captured by the RMAS, while the CoBRAS
captures systemic indirect racism reflected in color blind ideology.
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1. The Color Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS; Neville, Lilly, Duran, Lee, & Browne, 2000).
The CoBRAS was designed to assess cognitive aspects of color-blind racial attitudes and provides
a general measure of awareness of more structural and systemic aspects of race and racism. Chen
et al. (2003) found that the CoBRAS contributed to clarifying interpretation of cluster analyses of
the People of Color Racial Identity Attitude Scale (PoCRIAS) by clarifying participants’ attitudes
towards race as opposed to ethnicity. Initial construction of the CoBRAS included establishing
construct, concurrent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity (Neville, Lilly, Duran, Lee, &
Browne, 2000).The CoBRAS has shown good internal reliability for the three subscales and overall
(Racial Privilege, .78, Institutional Discrimination, .76, Blatant Racial Issues, .72 and an overall
reliability of .87) on a mixed sample of Whites, Blacks, Latinos, Asian Americans, and American
Indians (Neville, Lilly, Duran, Lee, & Browne, 2000). The CoBRAS has also been slightly
modified for this study to make a clearer distinction between race and ethnicity (e.g. ethnic terms
and examples such as “Italian American” have been deleted or changed to clearly reference
racialized groupings).
2. The Racial Microaggression Scale (RMAS; Torres-Harding, Andrade, & Diaz, 2012): The RMAS
measures perceptions of racial microaggressions experienced by people of color. The authors use
Sue et al.’s (2007) definition of racial microaggressions as “brief and commonplace daily verbal,
behavioral, and environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate
hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults to the target person or group.” There are
six subscales: 1) foreigner/not belonging; 2) criminality/assumption of criminal status; 3)
sexualization/exoticized; 4) low achieving/undesirable culture; 5) invisibility; 6) environmental.
The RMAS illustrated very good internal consistency for the aforementioned subscales for a
sample of African Americans, Latinos, multiracial people of color, Asian American, South Asian,
and Middle Eastern (.78, .85, .83, .87, .89, .81 respectively, Torres-Harding, Andrade, & Diaz,
2012). The scale also showed good convergent and concurrent validity.
3. A short questionnaire constructed for this study inquiring about emotional response to experiences
of racism
4. A single question from The General Ethnic Discrimination Scale (GEDS; Landrine, Klonoff,
Corral, Fernandez, Roesch, 2006) about how much one’s life would be different if the participant
had not experienced racism. In order to minimize subject burden, we are only using this one
question from the GED that examines the impact of racism on the participant’s life, as the majority
of other questions overlap with other measures. This one question is scored separately from the rest
of the measure in its original construction:
Group specific racism and values measures
In addition to the racism measures above, group-specific racism measures are also included when they
exist and are widely used, to examine aspects of racism previously shown to be unique to specific
racialized groups (e.g. Asian Americans or African Americans; see group specific section at end of
Measures). We are also including short measures of group-specific values or identity measures, to
examine the ways that ethnicity and cultural affiliation may affect the relation of racism and mental
health.
Asian American specific measures
The Asian American Values Scale (AAVS; Kim, Li & Ng, 2005): The AAVS-M measures
Asian American specific values enculturation (in juxtaposition to European Americans). It is a
42 item scale divided into five subscales: 1) collectivism; 2) conformity to norms; 3) emotional
self-control; 4) family recognition through achievement; 5) humility. There was good test-retest
reliability. Internal reliability for each of the subscales were .89, .80, .79, .80. .90, and .81,
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respectively for a sample of Chinese, Koreans, Asian Indians, Filipinos, Taiwanese, Japanese,
Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Pakistani, Indonesian, and multiracials (Kim, Li & Ng,
2005). Kim et al. reported evidence of AAVS total scores’ internal consistency, test-retest
reliability, concurrent validity, and discriminant validity.” (Kim, Li & Ng, 2005)
The Asian American Race Related Stress Inventory (AARRSI; Li, Liang, & Kim, 2001): The
AARRSI is a measure of Asian-Americans’ racism-related stress that was developed and
psychometrically tested with Asian American adults. Consisting of 29 items, it is comprised of
three subscales: 1) Socio-historical racism; 2) General racism; 3) Perpetual foreigner racism.
All three scales have shown good construct validity as well as very good internal reliability for
both the aforementioned subscales and the overall measure (.93, .86, .84, .95 respectively) for a
sample of Koreans, Chinese, Asian Indians, Japanese, Laotians, Filipinos, Vietnamese, Hmong,
Taiwanese, Thai, Indonesian, multiethnic Asians, and other unspecified Asian ethnicities
(Liang, & Kim, 2001).
Black American specific Measures
Index of Race-Related Stress - Brief Version (IRRS-B; Utsey, 1999): The IRRS-B is a short
form of the Index of Race-Related Stress. It is a multidimensional scale designed to
measure the stress experienced by Black Americans as a result of experiences of racism.
The IRRS-B consists of 22 items, which measure stress in response to three dimensions of
racism: cultural racism, institutional racism, and individual racism. Utsey (1999) reported
that the internal consistencies for the three dimensions were α = .78, α = .69, and α = .78,
respectively.
Three questions were constructed for this study to better understand how Black participants
describe and experience ethnic culture:
o Ethnicity or ethnic culture refers to patterns of ideas and practices associated with a
group of people sharing a common history, geographic background, and/or
language. It is different than race, but also related. There can be several ethnicities
within a race: for example, recent immigrants from Haiti, Jamaica, and Sudan are
racially "Black," as are African Americans who have been here for many
generations and are descended from slaves. Alternatively, someone who is racially
Black may be culturally American, Italian, English, etc. Ethnic culture includes
things like values, patterns of interacting, gender roles, food, dress, holidays, or
ways of seeing the world, yourself, or other people. In your own words, what
values, patterns of interacting, gender roles, food, dress, holidays, ways of
seeing the world, yourself or other people, etc. are part of your ethnic culture?
o Some people feel that there are cultural aspects shared by all people within a
racialized group, i.e. that all people with ancestors from Africa (people from the
African diaspora) share some cultural aspects, regardless of whether they are
recently from a specific African country, distantly from Africa and recently from the
Caribbean, or distantly from Africa with many generations in the U.S. descended
from slaves. Do you think this is true?
o If so, what aspects of your cultural experience are common to all peoples from the
African diaspora and what aspects may be unique to a more specific ethnic culture?
Latino Specific Measures
Latino/a Values Scale (Kim, Soliz, & Orellana, 2009): The Latino/a Values Scale measures the
level of adherence to Latino/a cultural norms an individual possesses. It is a 35 item scale
divided into four subscales: 1) cultural pride; 2) simpatía; 3) familismo; 4) espiritsmo. There
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was good test-retest reliability. Internal reliability for each of the subscales were .85, .46, .68,
and .50, respectively for a sample of Mexican/ Chicana/o, multiethnic, Guatemalan,
Salvadoran, Bolivian, Cuban, and “other” (Kim, Soliz & Orellana, 2009).
Measures of Mental Health
Multiple measures of mental health are being given in this study to capture the relations of
experiencing racism on various aspects of mental health, including depressive and anxious
symptomatology (captured by the DASS-21), fear of negative evaluation—which is an anxiety related
measure particularly related to social interactions, and one’s self-esteem as a member of a particular
racial group. We are also administering a PTSD measure, as racism has been conceptualized as, itself,
a traumatic event relating to mental health challenges.
1. The Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale-Revised (BFNE-Revised; Carleton, McCreary,
Norton, & Asmundson, 2006). This is a shortened version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation
Scale. Internal consistency yielded an alpha coefficient of .95 overall in a sample of White
European Americans and Asian Americans (Carleton, McCreary, Norton, & Asmundson, 2006).
2. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale—21 (DASS-21; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). This is an
updated, abbreviated version of the original 42-item measure (now 21 items). The three subscales
are 1) depression; 2) anxiety; 3) stress. Internal reliability for each of the subscales were .94, .87,
.87, respectively on a mixed sample of White European Americans, Hispanic Americans, African
Americans, Asian Americans, and “other ethnic racial groups” (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995).
3. The Collective Self-Esteem Scale. The CSE measures individuals’ evaluations of their collective
esteem and sense of membership in particular groups (Luhtanen & Crocker, 1992). There are four
subscales: membership esteem, private CSE, public CSE, and importance to identity. The CSE
shows concurrent validity through correlations with a higher sense of collectivism and collective
aspects of identity (Luhtanen & Crocker, 1992). Internal consistency coefficients range from .85 to
.88 for the CSE in a mixed undergraduate sample (Luhtanen & Crocker, 1992) and .73 for the total
CSE with an Asian American undergraduate sample (Alvarez & Helms, 2001) It has been modified
so that the language specifically relates to racial groups (e.g. “my social group” has become “the
Asian American group,” “the Black American group,” “the Latina/o group,” or “the Native
American group”).
4. PTSD Checklist Civilian version (Norris & Hamblen, 2003). The PTSD Checklist, Civilian
Version. The PCL is a 17-item self-report measure that corresponds to the DSM-IV symptoms of
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The PCL-C, the version used in this study, is anchored to
generic “stressful life experiences” and can be used with any population (Norris & Hamblen,
2003). Developed by the National Center for PTSD for the public domain, the PCL has shown
good validity and reliability across all three versions.
Coping and Empowerment Measures
1. Brief Cope (Carver, 1997) is an abbreviated version of the Cope Scale which is designed to assess
coping strategies. There are fourteen subscales: 1) self-distraction; 2) active coping; 3) denial; 4)
substance use; 5) use of emotional support; 6) use of instrumental support; 7) behavioral
disengagement; 8) venting; 9) positive reframing; 10) planning; 11) humor; 12) acceptance; 13)
religion; 14) self-blame. Internal consistency for each of the subscales were .68, .73, .64, .57, .73,
.82, .71, .64, .71, .54, .50, .90, .65, .69, respectively for a sample of non-Hispanic Whites, African
Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans (Carver, 1997).
2. Racism Empowerment and Resistance (REAR): A series of 50 items developed for this study using
a consensual qualitative research approach (Hill, 2012). This scale was developed by the PIs and
14
their associated research teams. Initial item generation involved extensive discussion of the
meaning of “empowerment” and “resistance” as related to addressing racism, review of the one
dissertation in psychology related to directly measuring race related empowerment (Stovall, 1999),
and discussion of various aspects of empowerment. Following this discussion, 8 team members
contributed at least 10 items on domains that they considered to be related to racism related
resistance or empowerment. Items focused on different aspects of empowerment like internal and
interpersonal empowerment, empowerment in thought, behavior and affect, direct action against
discrimination versus indirect action. All items provided by team members were combined into a
list. The initial list consisted of 119 items. Through an iterative process of discussion and
consensus building, items were integrated, removed, reworded, changed or retained. The group
also discussed nuances of differentiating aspects of empowerment and settled on the following
domains of empowerment/resisting racism: Resisting through education, arts and media, organizing
and protesting, acknowledging and resisting internalizing and social support and challenge.
Demographics Questionnaire
The UMass Boston comprehensive demographics questionnaire (Suyemoto, Roemer, Erisman,
Holowka, Fuchs, & Barrett-Model, 2012) was developed with the goal of capturing the complexity
within various identities that participants possess. This scale is useful to describe participants in terms
of their identities and see how these descriptions may be related to their responses in research. It was
also designed with an ethics of care (Haverkamp, 2005) for participants, aiming to support
participants’ experience of having their multiple identities and contexts acknowledged as part of the
research process. The questionnaire offers both open ended and close ended questions which cover
domains like age, educational qualifications, household income etc which are commonly found in most
demographic questionnaires. In addition, this scale provides a chance to obtain more nuanced
information about self identification of race and ethnicity as well as others’ perception of the
participants’ race, acculturation and cultural affiliation, aspects of racial socialization like
neighborhood racial composition, as well as educational qualifications and professions of primary and
secondary caregiver for the participants when growing up, which are commonly used as measures of
social class previously related to experiences of racism.
Part II of Survey- Test-Retest Protocol
Procedures:
Up to 250 participants who answered “yes” on the following question, “Would you be interested in
completing a shorter related survey as a follow-up in two to three weeks? If so, you will be provided
with a $10 gift card to amazon.com or the opportunity to donate your portion to a social justice
organization following your completion” will receive an invitation to participate in Part II of the study
(see Appendix D1 & D2 for sample e-mail). In order to match the answers from their initial survey,
each participant will be sent a unique link to complete the follow-up survey that will allow the
researchers the ability to connect responses from the initial survey with the follow-up survey to
conduct test-retest reliability analyses.
Two to three weeks has been determined as the appropriate test-retest interval based on a literature
review of similar scales (e.g., Liang, Li & Kim, 2004; Torres-Harding, Andrade & Romero Diaz, 2012;
Wei, Alvarez, Ku, Russell & Bonett, 2010). We also aim to recruit an equal number of participants
from each of the 5 major minority racial groups (Black, Asian, Native American, Latina/o, multiracial)
in an effort to determine the reliability and validity of the measure for each racial group.
15
Participants will be asked to read the consent form (Appendix C) and indicate whether they agree and
wish to proceed or do not agree or do not wish to proceed. Those who provide consent and wish to
proceed will be given the scales listed below. The DASS-21, CSE, RMAS, and Brief COPE aim to
recreate similar conditions to the first survey. The REAR is the scale for which we are trying to
establish retest reliability. We have also added a few open ended questions in order to contribute to our
understanding and the impact of the research study overall.
Measures:
● (1) Measure of mental health: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21)
● (2) Measures of experiences of racism: Collective Self Esteemed Scale (CSE), and Racial
Microaggression Scale (RMAS)
● (3) Measures of Resistance/Empowerment: Brief COPE and Racism Empowerment and
Resistance (REAR)
● (4) Open-ended questions: the purpose of these questions is to deepen our understanding of the
lived experiences of our participants that may not be captured by our existing scales. We will
ask the following:
▪
People engage in a range of activities to reduce, resist, or interrupt racial discrimination.
Within “racial discrimination” we include not only major actions like name calling or
physical harassment, but also indirect or less extreme activities such as making
stereotypical assumptions or exclusions based on race. Discrimination can be
intentional or unintentional. With this in mind, have you ever responded to racial
discrimination in a way that deliberately intended to reduce, resist, or interrupt racial
discrimination against you or your own racial group? We are interested in whether you
have actively tried to respond in a way that reduced, resisted, or interrupted, regardless
of whether it was effective or not. Remember, there is no “right” answer.
▪
If yes:
● (1) Please tell us about a specific time when you experienced racial
discrimination and reacted in a way that tried to reduce, resist, or interrupt the
discrimination. What happened and what did you do?
● (2) How did you hope to reduce, resist, or interrupt the discrimination through
the response you described? Why did you anticipate that the reaction you
described above would work to reduce/resist/interrupt racial discrimination?
● (3) What barriers or supports do you encounter when trying to respond to
discrimination in ways that reduce/resist/interrupt racial discrimination against
you or your own racial group? How do these affect you?
▪
If no:
● (1) Please tell us how you define reducing/resisting/interrupting racial
discrimination.
● (2) How do you respond to racial discrimination?
● (3) What influences your decision about how and/or when to respond?
Analysis
Through simple and partial correlations and multiple regression and path analyses we will
examine both direct effects as well as possible mediation effects and interactions between coping and
mental health in the ways that these variables relate to racism. The study also pilots a measure of race
related resistance and empowerment and examines the ways that racism related resistance and
empowerment may affect the relation of experiencing racism to mental health and coping for people of
16
color. We will evaluate that measure in relation to factor structure, internal reliability, test-retest
reliability, convergent and divergent validity in relation to other measures administered.
III. HIPPA Compliance Information. N/A
IV.
Participant Data
Participants will be:
Over 18
Self identify as a person of color
Able to read English at a level sufficient to complete the measures presented in English.
V.
Procedures for Vulnerable Populations
This study will not involve children or prisoners. Pregnant women, disabled, or economically
disadvantaged persons may choose to participate in the study, but these particular groups will not be
the focus of the study and therefore specific safeguards will not be necessary.
VI.
Risks and Benefits
Minimal risk to participants is expected. It is possible that some of the questions in the questionnaire
may make participants feel uncomfortable. It is explicitly stated in the Informed Consent that
participants may discontinue participation if they feel uncomfortable.
VII.
Informed Consent Please see appendix A for informed consent form
Waiver of documentation of informed consent
As participants will complete the study online they will not sign and return a consent form to the
researcher. No participants will not be seen in person and will complete the study online. All
participants will indicate consent by clicking a checkbox at the end of the informed consent page.
VIII. Confidentiality of research participants:
Participants who are not interested in participating in the raffle and are not participating for
Psychology Subject Pool credit will complete the on-line questionnaires anonymously using the
PsychData system, since they will not be asked to provide their names or other pieces of identifying
information. If participants are interested in being entered in the raffle and/or being contacted for
future studies, they will be asked to provide their name, email address, and telephone number. This
information will be stored in a separate file within the PsychData on-line system. Participants’ names,
email addresses, and telephone numbers will only be connected to their data by the participant number
in this separate file. All other data will be identified with a participant number. Only study personnel
will have access to the file containing names and contact information for the raffle and this file will be
erased once the study is completed. Name, email address and student ID numbers of UMB student
participants taking the study in exchange for course credit will be recorded in a separate password
protected excel file. At the end of the semester this information will be shared with the Psych 101
instructor so that these students may receive course credit for the same. Once this information has been
received by the instructor, this excel file will be deleted.
PsychData uses a Secure Security Environment. All surveys hosted with PsychData are encrypted
using 128-bit SSL Technology (Secure Socket Layer). This technology encrypts both the questions
17
displayed to the participants and their responses. All responses are instantly encrypted and remain so
until they are received at the PsychData database. Once research data is stored on a PsychData server,
it is held in an isolated database that can only be accessed by a researcher with the correct username
and password. Each participant who completes this survey will be automatically assigned an internal
number called the Respondent ID number.
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21
Supporting Materials
Return the required number of copies (two copies for expedited applications; contact the IRB
Administrator to inquire about requirements for full board review) of these materials to the IRB
Administrator, A-2-080. See the application instructions for post submission procedures.
II.
Consent Documents and Interviews/Measures/Instruments. A copy of all consent documents and all
written recruitment materials (e.g., recruitment fliers, verbal scripts, etc.), interview or survey instruments
must be attached to the application. If no versions of the instruments are available, please give a list of
sample questions that encompass the scope of the activity. If you are using any other type of instrument to
collect data, please describe its purpose and how it is used.
Appendix A. Informed Consent
Appendix B: Recruitment Materials
Appendix C: Informed Consent for test-retest
Appendix D: Recruitment Materials for test-retest
Appendix E: Survey packet
III. Collateral Site Approval. N/A
IV. Funding Application. N/A
22
APPENDIX A: Informed Consent Form
UMASS BOSTON INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD
University of Massachusetts Boston
Department of Psychology
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA. 02125-3393
Introduction and Description of the Project
You are asked to take part in a research project that aims to explore the experience and impact of
racism on people of color. The researchers are Drs. Karen Suyemoto (Associate Professor,
Department of Psychology) and Dr. Tahirah Abdullah (Assistant Professor, Department of
Psychology). Please read this form and feel free to ask questions. If you have further questions later,
Dr. Karen Suyemoto or Dr. Tahirah Abdullah will be available to discuss them with you. You may
reach wither of them by email at karen.suyemoto@umb.edu or tahirah.abdullah @umb.edu
This study asks questions about experiences of racism, the impact of these experiences, and how you
react. We will also ask for some information describing your background which will help us
understand who is participating and how their other experiences may relate to their responses.
Participation in this study will take about 30-45 minutes. Participation in this study is completely
voluntary. You can stop at any time without risk of any negative consequences. If you do complete the
survey, you have the chance to win one of several $200 gift cards. If you are interested in being
entered in this raffle, we will ask you to provide an email address where you can be reached in case
you win. Alternatively, you can give up your raffle chance and the researchers will make a $5 donation
to the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization dedicated to supporting social justice and racial
equity through advocacy and education (up to a total of $2000 from the researchers). (This section for
psych 101 students will say) If you complete the survey, you will receive course credit towards your
Psych 101 course.
Risks or Discomforts:
The primary risk associated with this study may be feelings of discomfort or distress related to thinking
about or remembering difficult experiences. You may speak with Dr. Karen Suyemoto
(Karen.suyemoto@umb.edu) or Dr. Tahirah Abdullah (tahirah.abdullah@umb.edu) to discuss any
distress or other issues related to study participation.
Confidentiality and Voluntary Participation:
Your participation in this research is confidential. That is, the information gathered for this project
will not be published or presented in a way that would allow anyone to identify you. Information
gathered for this project will be stored in a password protected file and only the research team will
have access to the data. Any connection between your responses and any possibly identifying
information will be destroyed within 6 months of your final participation in this research.
The decision whether or not to take part in this research study is voluntary. If you do decide to take
part in this study, you may choose to stop participation at any time without consequence. If you wish
to stop participation, you should simply exit your internet browser completely. Whatever you decide
will in no way penalize you or, if you are a student, affect your grade.
23
Rights:
You have the right to ask questions about this research before you sign this form and at any time
during the study. If you are unhappy with the way this study is done or if you believe you have been
hurt in any way by participating, you may express your concerns. For questions or concerns, you can
reach Karen Suyemoto, Ph.D. or Tahirah Abdullah, Ph.D. by email (Karen.suyemoto@umb.edu) or
Dr.Tahirah Abdullah (tahirah.abdullah@umb.edu), by phone (617-287-6370) or at the following
address: University of Massachusetts Boston, Psychology Department, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston,
MA 02125-3393. If you have questions of concerns about your rights as a research participant, you
may also call or write a representative of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), at the University of
Massachusetts, Boston, which oversees research involving human participants. The Institutional
Review Board may be reached at the following address: IRB, Quinn Administration Building-2-080,
University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125-3393. You can
also contact the Board by telephone or e-mail at (617) 287-5374 or at human.subjects@umb.edu.
I HAVE READ THE CONSENT FORM AND ANY QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.
BY MARKING THE BOX BELOW, I AM INDICATING MY CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS
STUDY. I ALSO CERTIFY THAT I AM 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
24
APPENDIX B: Recruitment Materials
Appendix B1: Sample email request of professors from graduate research assistant:
Dear Dr. X,
My name is __________ and I am a research assistant working with Prof. Karen Suyemoto (Psychology and
Asian American Studies) and Tahirah Abdullah (Psychology). We are currently conducting a much needed
study that examines the impacts of racism and the act of resisting racism on mental health. We have created an
online survey to gather such critical information and would greatly appreciate if you would either kindly agree
to us making a short in class announcement or showing the attached powerpoint slide with links and information
on how to access our study.
The survey takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. In order to participate, you must be 18 or older, and
identify as a person of color or racial minority. As a “thank you” participants may choose to be entered into a
drawing for one of several $200 gift cards or to have the researchers make a $5 donation to an organization
advocating for social justice.
We would be very grateful for your assistance in helping us recruit participants.
We look forward to hearing from you about a time/date that would be convenient for us to come to your class
and make a 5 minute announcement.
Thank you,
(researcher name)
Appendix B2: Sample email to student groups
Dear ____,
My name is __________ and I am a research assistant working with Drs. Karen Suyemoto (psychology and
Asian studies professor) and Tahirah Abdullah (psychology professor). We are currently conducting a much
needed study that examines the experiences of racism and the act of resisting racism.
We have created an online survey and would greatly appreciate any assistance your organization could provide
us in recruiting participants.
The survey takes roughly 30-45 minutes to complete. In order to participate, you must be 18 or older, and
identify as a person of color or racial minority. As a “thank you” participants may choose to be entered into a
drawing for one of several $200 gift cards or to have the researchers make a $5 donation to an organization
advocating for social justice.
Would you please post our flyers with links and information on how to access our study in your office space,
your listserv, any social media presence your organization may have? We have attached a flyer and would be
happy to drop some off if that would be more convenient. We have also pasted below a recruitment notice that
you could put on your listserv or distribute through social media.
We also welcome any thoughts you might have of alternative ways of gathering interested participants.
Please feel free to contact us at aart@umb.edu.
Thank you,
(researcher name)
25
Appendix B3: Email to organizations for recruitment
Dear ____,
My name is ___________ and I am a research assistant working with Drs. Karen Suyemoto and Tahirah
Abdullah, professors in psychology and ethnic studies at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. We are
currently conducting a much needed study that examines the impacts of both racism and the act of resisting
racism on mental health.
We have created an online survey to gather such information and would greatly appreciate your assistance in
helping us recruit participants.. The survey takes roughly 30-45 minutes to complete. In order to participate, you
must be 18 or older, and identify as a person of color or racial minority. As a “thank you” participants may
choose to be entered into a drawing for one of several $200 gift card or to have the researchers make a $10
donation to an organization advocating for social justice.
Would you please post our flyers with links and information on how to access our study in your office space,
your listserv, any social media presence your organization may have? We have attached a flyer and would be
happy to drop some off or send you more if that would be more convenient. We have also pasted below a
recruitment notice that you could put on your listserv or distribute through social media.
We also welcome any thoughts you might have of alternative ways of gathering interested participants.
Please feel free to contact us at aart@umb.edu.
Thank you,
(researcher name)
Appendix B4: Sample e-mail per snowballing technique
Dear __________,
My name is ___________ and I am a research assistant working with Drs. Karen Suyemoto and
Tahirah Abdullah, psychology professors at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Your friend or
acquaintance, __________, gave us your email address and suggested you as a potential participant for
our study. We are currently conducting a much needed study examining experiences of racism, and
reactions to these experiences. This study is an online survey that will take about 30-45 minutes.
To participate in this study, (1) you must be over 18, (2) understand written English, and (3) identify as
a person of color or racial minority. Participation is completely voluntary and you can stop at any time
without risk of any negative consequences. As a “thank you” for completing the survey, you are
eligible (1) to be entered into a raffle for one of several $200 gift cards, or (2) choose to have the
researchers make a $5 donation to an organization advocating for social justice, or (3) to receive credit
for your UMass Boston Psych 101 course.
If you are interested in participating in our study, please visit tinyurl.com/race-study. If you have any
questions or concerns, please contact us at aart@umb.edu.
We want to thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Appendix B5: Sample e-mail to participants about future studies of similar topics
26
Dear __________,
Thank you for your recent participation in our online study on experiences of racism. As indicated
from your answers, you have expressed interest in participating in our follow-up study. Although you
were not selected to participate in Part II of this specific study, we wanted to see if you would be
interested in partaking in future studies on similar topics. Please keep in mind that saying “yes” will
simply mean that you receive information and invitations about other similar studies. Your
participation in any future studies is completely voluntary, and you are not required to participate if
you are contacted.
If you are interested in being added to this list, please respond to this e-mail with your preferred e-mail
address.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Appendix B6: Sample email for listservs, will be tailored to listserv with additional information to be
taken from the other materials in this appendix
Dear ____,
My name is ___________ and I am a research assistant working with Drs. Karen Suyemoto and Tahirah
Abdullah, psychology professors at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. We are currently conducting a
much needed study that examines the impacts of both racism and the act of resisting racism.
We have created an online survey to gather such information and would greatly appreciate your participation.
The survey takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes to complete. In order to participate, you must be 18 or older, and
identify as a person of color or racial minority. As a “thank you” participants may choose to be entered into a
drawing for one of several $200 gift cards or to have the researchers make a $5 donation to an organization
advocating for social justice.
To participate, follow this link: insert link here.
Feel free to contact us at aart@umb.edu .
Thank you,
Researcher name
Appendix B7: Sample announcement for class announcements
Hello,
My name is _________ and I am a research assistant working with Drs. Karen Suyemoto (psychology and Asian
studies professor) and Tahirah Abdullah (psychology professor). We are currently conducting a much needed
study that examines the impacts of racism and the act of resisting racism. We have created an online survey to
gather such information and would greatly appreciate our participation.
The survey takes roughly 30-45 minutes to complete. In order to participate, you must be 18 or older, and
identify as a person of color or racial minority. As a “thank you” participants may choose to be entered into a
drawing for one of several $200 gift cards or to have the researchers make a $5 donation to an organization
advocating for social justice.
27
For those of you who are interested, the link is __________________________.
Or please feel free to email the team at aart@umb.edu.
Thank you,
(Researcher name)
Appendix B8: Sample Text for flyer and powerpoint slide for classes
[Note—This is sample text. We may vary the title to specify racial groups depending on recruitment
needs, e.g. “Are you Asian American? Have you experienced racial discrimination?”]
Are you a person of color who has experienced racial
discrimination?
If you a person of color over 18, you may be eligible to participate
in a research study looking at experiences of racial discrimination.
The study takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.
Participants will be entered into a drawing for one of several $200
gift cards or have the researchers donate to an organization to fight
racism!
If interested: study url goes here.
For questions, please contact aart@umb.edu
28
Appendix C: Informed consent for test-retest:
INFORMED CONSENT FORM
UMASS BOSTON INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD
University of Massachusetts Boston
Department of Psychology
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA. 02125-3393
Introduction and Description of the Project
You are asked to participated in Part II of a research project entitled "Resisting racism: coping and
empowerment to address negative effects on mental health" that aims to explore the experience and impact of
racism on people of color. The researchers are Dr. Karen Suyemoto (Associate Professor, Department of
Psychology) and Dr. Tahirah Abdullah (Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology). Please read this form
and feel free to ask questions. If you have further questions later, Dr. Karen Suyemoto or Dr. Tahirah Abdullah
will be available to discuss them with you. You may reach either of them by email at
karen.suyemoto@umb.edu or tahirah.abdullah@umb.edu.
Similar to your experiences in Part I of this study, this follow-up will ask questions about experiences of racism,
the impact of these experiences, and how you react. Participation in this study will take about 20-30 minutes.
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. You can stop at any time without risk of any negative
consequences. If you do complete the survey, you will receive a $10 gift certificate to amazon.com via e-mail
within 1-2 weeks of completion. Alternatively, you can give up your amazon.com gift certificate and the
researchers will make a $10 donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization dedicated to
supporting social justice and racial equity through advocacy and education.
Risks or Discomforts:
The primary risk associated with this study may be feelings of discomfort or distress related to thinking about or
remembering difficult experiences. You may speak with Dr. Karen Suyemoto (Karen.suyemoto@umb.edu) or
Dr. Tahirah Abdullah (tahirah.abdullah@umb.edu) to discuss any distress or other issues related to study
participation.
Confidentiality and Voluntary Participation:
Your participation in this research is confidential. That is, the information gathered for this project will not be
published or presented in a way that would allow anyone to identify you. Information gathered for this project
will be stored in a password protected file and only the research team will have access to the data. Any
connection between your responses and any possibly identifying information will be destroyed within 6 months
of your final participation in this research.
The decision whether or not to take part in this research study is voluntary. If you do decide to take part in this
study, you may choose to stop participation at any time without consequence. If you wish to stop participation,
you should simply exit your internet browser completely. Whatever you decide will in no way penalize you or,
if you are a student, affect your grade.
Rights:
You have the right to ask questions about this research before you sign this form and at any time during the
study. If you are unhappy with the way this study is done or if you believe you have been hurt in any way by
participating, you may express your concerns. For questions or concerns, you can reach Dr. Karen Suyemoto
(karen.suyemoto@umb.edu) or Dr.Tahirah Abdullah (tahirah.abdullah@umb.edu) by phone (617-287-6370) or
at the following address: University of Massachusetts Boston, Psychology Department, 100 Morrissey Blvd.,
Boston, MA 02125-3393. If you have questions of concerns about your rights as a research participant, you may
also call or write a representative of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), at the University of Massachusetts,
29
Boston, which oversees research involving human participants. The Institutional Review Board may be reached
at the following address: IRB, Quinn Administration Building-2-080, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100
Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125-3393. You can also contact the Board by telephone at (617) 287-5374
or email at human.subjects@umb.edu.
Appendix D1: Sample e-mail for test-retest follow-up:
Dear __________,
Thank you for your participation in our online study on experiences of racism approximately one
weeks ago. As indicated from your answers, you have expressed interest in participating in our follow-
up study.
The online follow-up study will take about _____ minutes. As a gratitude, you will be provided with a
$10 gift card to amazon.com or the opportunity to donate your portion to a social justice organization
after completion.
If you are interested in assisting us with the second part, please complete the survey by using this
unique link ______________. This survey will close on ________ at ______, so it is important that
you complete it before then.
We want to thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Appendix D2: Sample e-mail reminders for test-retest follow-up:
Dear __________,
This is a friendly reminder that your invitation to participate in our follow-up study on experiences of
racism will expire in two days.
Again, we would like thank you for participating in the first part of our study a few weeks ago. If you
are still interested in assisting us with the second part, the online follow-up study will take about _____
minutes. As a gratitude, you will be provided with a $10 gift card to amazon.com or the opportunity to
donate your portion to a social justice organization after completion.
Please complete the survey by using this unique link ______________. This survey will close on
________ at ______, so it is important that you complete it before then.
Please disregard this e-mail if you do not wish to partake in the follow-up study. We want to thank you
in advance for your time and consideration.
30
APPENDIX E: Survey Packet
COBRAS
Instructions: Below is a set of questions that deal with social issues in the United States (U.S.). Using the 6-
point scale, please give your honest rating about the degree to which you personally agree or disagree with each
statement. Please be as open and honest as you can; there are no right or wrong answers.
1. Everyone who works hard, no matter what race they are, has an equal chance to become rich.
2. Race plays a major role in the type of social services (such as type of health care or day care) that people
receive in the U.S.
3. It is important that people begin to think of themselves as American and not Asian American/ Latino/a,
Black/ African American/ Native American.
4. Due to racial discrimination, programs such as affirmative action are necessary to help create equality.
5. Racism is a major problem in the U.S.
6. Race is very important in determining who is successful and who is not.
7. Racism may have been a problem in the past, but it is not an important problem today.
8. Racial minorities do not have the same opportunities as White people in the U.S.
9. White people in the U.S. are discriminated against because of the color of their skin.
10. Talking about racial issues causes unnecessary tensions.
11. It is important for political leaders to talk about racism to help work through or solve society's problems.
12. White people in the U.S. have certain advantages because of the color of their skin.
13. Immigrants should try to fit into the culture and adopt the values of the U.S.
14. English should be the only official language in the U.S.
15. White people are more to blame for racial discrimination in the U.S. than racial minorities.
16. Social policies, such as affirmative action, discriminate unfairly against White people.
17. It is important for public schools to teach about the history and contributions of racial minorities.
18. Racial minorities in the U.S. have certain advantages because of the color of their skin.
19. Racial problems in the U.S. are rare, isolated situations.
20. Race plays an important role in who gets sent to prison.
BFNE-II
Read each of the following statements carefully and indicate how characteristic it is of you according to the
following scale:
1
Not at all
characteristic of
me
2
Slightly
characteristic of
me
3
Moderately
characteristic of me
4
Very
characteristic of
me
5
Extremely
characteristic of
me
___ 1.
I worry about what other people will think of me even when I know it doesn’t make any difference.
___ 2. It bothers me when people form an unfavorable impression of me.
___ 3.
I am frequently afraid of other people noticing my shortcomings.
___ 4.
I worry about what kind of impression I make on people.
___ 5.
I am afraid that others will not approve of me.
___ 6.
I am afraid that people will find fault with me.
___ 7.
I am concerned about other people’s opinions of me.
___ 8.
When I am talking to someone, I worry about what they may be thinking about me.
___ 9.
I am usually worried about what kind of impression I make.
___ 10. If I know someone is judging me, it tends to bother me .
___ 11. Sometimes I think I am too concerned with what other people think of me.
1
Strongly Disagree
2
3
4
5
6
Strongly Agree
31
___12.
I often worry that I will say or do the wrong things.
32
DAS S 21
Please read each statement and circle a number 0, 1, 2 or 3 which indicates how much the statement applied to
you over the past week. There are no right or wrong answers. Do not spend too much time on any statement. The
rating scale is as follows:
0
Did not apply to me
at all
1
Applied to me to some
degree, or some of the
time
2
Applied to me to a
considerable degree, or a
good part of time
3
Applied to me very
much, or most of the
time
1. I found it hard to wind down
0
1
2
3
2. I was aware of dryness of my mouth
0
1
2
3
3. I couldn't seem to experience any positive feeling at all
0
1
2
3
4. I experienced breathing difficulty (eg, excessively rapid breathing,
breathlessness in the absence of physical exertion)
0
1
2
3
5. I found it difficult to work up the initiative to do things
0
1
2
3
6. I tended to over-react to situations
0
1
2
3
7. I experienced trembling (eg, in the hands)
0
1
2
3
8. I felt that I was using a lot of nervous energy
0
1
2
3
9. I was worried about situations in which I might panic and make a fool of
myself
0
1
2
3
10. I felt that I had nothing to look forward to
0
1
2
3
11. I found myself getting agitated
0
1
2
3
12. I found it difficult to relax
0
1
2
3
13. I felt down-hearted and blue
0
1
2
3
14. I was intolerant of anything that kept me from getting on with what I
was doing
0
1
2
3
15. I felt I was close to panic
0
1
2
3
16. I was unable to become enthusiastic about anything
0
1
2
3
17. I felt I wasn't worth much as a person
0
1
2
3
18. I felt that I was rather touchy
0
1
2
3
19. I was aware of the action of my heart in the absence of physical exertion
(eg, sense of heart rate increase, heart missing a beat)
0
1
2
3
20. I felt scared without any good reason
0
1
2
3
21. I felt that life was meaningless
0
1
2
3
Racial and Ethnic Background
Racial categories are based on visible attributes (for example, skin color or eye shape, other facial or bodily
feature) and self-identification. These groupings have social meanings that affect how people see themselves
and are seen and treated by others. Race is not the same as ethnicity or culture.
Although the categories listed below may not represent your full identity or use the language you prefer, for the
purpose of this survey, please indicate which group below most accurately describes your racial identification?
(please check on—you will have an opportunity later to tell us more fully about your identity)
Alaskan Native/Native
American/Indigenous
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian
Asian
White
Black
Multiracial
Latino(a)/Hispanic (Non-White)
Other (please specify): _______________________
[If the participant indicates they are multiracial, they will be asked “With which race do you primarily identify?]
33
34
CSE
[This scale will be tailored to participants’ self-identification: Asian American, Latino/a, Black, and Native
American. Those choosing “other” above will be given this scale as it is here]
Instructions: On the following page, you will find a list of statements about Asian Americans/ Latino/as,
Black/ African Americans & Native Americans. Please respond to the statements on the basis of how you feel
about your group and yourself as a member of the group. There are no right or wrong answers to any of these
statements. We are simply interested in your honest reactions and opinions. Please read each statement
carefully and circle the number that best describes how you feel. Please respond by using the following scale:
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Disagree
Somewhat
Neutral
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
Strongly
Agree
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1.
I am a worthy member of my racial group.
2.
I often regret that I belong to my racial group.
3.
Overall, my racial group is considered good by others
4.
Overall, being a member of my racial group has very little to do with how I feel about myself.
5.
I feel I don’t have much to offer my racial group.
6.
In general, I’m glad to be a member of my racial group.
7.
Most people consider my racial group, on the average, to be more ineffective than other groups.
8.
Belonging to my racial group is an important reflection of who I am.
9.
I am a cooperative participant in the activities of my racial group.
10. Overall, I often feel that my racial group is not worthwhile.
11. In general, others respect my racial group.
12. Being of my racial group is unimportant to my sense of what kind of a person I am.
13. I often feel I’m a useless member of my racial group.
14. I feel good about belonging to my racial group.
15. In general, others think that my racial group is unworthy.
16. In general, belonging to my racial group is an important part of my self-image.
35
[IF the participant indicates s/he is Asian, then the following group specific scale will be given next:]
AAVS-M
INSTRUCTIONS: Use the scale below to indicate the extent to which you agree with the value expressed in
each statement.
1 = Strongly Disagree
2 = Moderately Disagree
3 = Mildly Disagree
4 = Neither Agree or Disagree
5 = Mildly Agree
6 = Moderately Agree
7 = Strongly Agree
1. One should recognize and adhere to the social expectations, norms and practices.
2. The welfare of the group should be put before that of the individual.
3. It is better to show emotions than to suffer quietly.
4. One should go as far as one can academically and professionally on behalf of one’s family.
5. One should be able to boast about one's achievement.
6. One's personal needs should be second to the needs of the group.
7. One should not express strong emotions.
8. One’s academic and occupational reputation reflects the family’s reputation.
9. One should be able to draw attention to one's accomplishments.
10. The needs of the community should supersede those of the individual.
11. One should adhere to the values, beliefs and behaviors that one’s society considers normal and acceptable.
12. Succeeding occupationally is an important way of making one’s family proud.
13. Academic achievement should be highly valued among family members.
14. The group should be less important than the individual.
15. One’s emotional needs are less important than fulfilling one’s responsibilities.
16. Receiving awards for excellence need not reflect well on one's family.
17. One should achieve academically since it reflects on one’s family.
18. One’s educational success is a sign of personal and familial character.
19. One should not sing one's own praises.
20. One should not act based on emotions.
21. One should work hard so that one won’t be a disappointment to one’s family.
22. Making achievements is an important way to show one’s appreciation for one’s family.
23. One's efforts should be directed toward maintaining the well-being of the group first and the individual
second.
24. It is better to hold one’s emotions inside than to burden others by expressing them.
25. One need not blend in with society.
26. Being boastful should not be a sign of one's weakness and insecurity.
27. Conforming to norms provides order in the community.
28. Conforming to norms provides one with identity.
29. It is more important to behave appropriately than to act on what one is feeling.
30. One should not openly talk about one’s accomplishments.
31. Failing academically brings shame to one’s family.
32. One should be expressive with one's feelings.
33. Children's achievements need not bring honor to their parents.
34. One need not sacrifice oneself for the benefit of the group.
35. Openly expressing one's emotions is a sign of strength.
36. One’s achievement and status reflect on the whole family.
37. One need not always consider the needs of the group first.
38. It is one’s duty to bring praise through achievement to one’s family.
39. One should not do something that is outside of the norm.
40. Getting into a good school reflects well on one’s family.
41. One should be able to brag about one’s achievements.
42. Conforming to norms is the safest path to travel.
36
[IF the participant indicates s/he is Latina/o, then the following group specific scale will be given:]
VS (Latino/a Values Scale)
Instructions: Using the scale below, please circle the number that represents the degree to which you follow the
traditional cultural values of your ethnic background.
1= strongly disagree
2= disagree
3= agree
4= strongly agree
1. One does not need to be loyal to one’s cultural origin.
2. One does not need to follow one’s cultural customs.
3. One’s bond with one’s cultural group must be very strong.
4. One does not need to maintain one’s cultural traditions.
5. One must preserve one’s cultural heritage.
6. One does not need to preserve the customs of one’s cultural background.
7. One does not need to practice one’s cultural celebrations.
8. One should work to preserve the language of one’s ethnic group.
9.One should never lose one’s language of origin.
10. One must be proud of one’s cultural group.
11. One does not need to always avoid conflict with others.
12. One does not need to always be cordial to others.
13. One must not offend others.
14. A woman does not need to successfully endure all adversity.
15. A woman should sacrifice everything for her family.
16. One should never offend one’s elders.
17. One should never bring shame upon one’s family.
18. A woman must be a source of strength for her family.
19. A mother must keep the family unified.
20. A woman is considered the backbone of the family.
21. A man must provide for his family financially.
22. One does not need to trust a higher being.
23. One does not need to have faith in premonitions.
24. A woman should be the spiritual leader in the family.
25. One should be able to question one’s elders.
26. A man’s strength comes from being a good father and husband.
27. One does not need to be emotionally affectionate to familiar individuals.
28. One’s successes should be attributed to one’s family.
29. One does not need to always present oneself as likeable to others.
30. One’s family is the main source of one’s identity.
31. One must defer to one’s elders for advice.
32. One must maintain a sense of interdependence with one’s group.
33. One does not need to always support one’s group.
34. One must help one’s group to achieve its goals.
35.One should be respectful to people who have a higher status.
37
[IF the participant indicates s/he is Black, then the following group specific scale will be given:]
Ethnicity or ethnic culture refers to patterns of ideas and practices associated with a group
of people sharing a common history, geographic background, and/or language. It is
different than race, but also related. There can be several ethnicities within a race: for
example, recent immigrants from Haiti, Jamaica, and Sudan are racially "Black," as are
African Americans who have been here for many generations and are descended from
slaves. Alternatively, someone who is racially Black may be culturally American, Italian,
English, etc. Ethnic culture includes things like values, patterns of interacting, gender roles,
food, dress, holidays, or ways of seeing the world, yourself, or other people. In your own
words, what values, patterns of interacting, gender roles, food, dress, holidays, ways of
seeing the world, yourself or other people, etc. are part of your ethnic culture?
Some people feel that there are cultural aspects shared by all people within a racialized
group, i.e. that all people with ancestors from Africa (people from the African diaspora)
share some cultural aspects, regardless of whether they are recently from a specific African
country, distantly from Africa and recently from the Caribbean, or distantly from Africa
with many generations in the U.S. descended from slaves. Do you think this is true?
If so, what aspects of your cultural experience are common to all peoples from the African
diaspora and what aspects may be unique to a more specific ethnic culture?
38
RMAS
For each of the items below indicate how often you have experienced the event
How often: 0 - never, 1 - a little/rarely, 2 - sometimes/a moderate amount, 3 - often/frequently.
And also indicate how stressful, upsetting, or bothersome the experience was for you
How stressful: 0 - not at all, 1 - a little, 2 - moderate level, 3 - high level
1. Other racial group members expect me to behave in a way that is not consistent with my own racial or
cultural values.
2. I am mistaken for being a service worker or lower-status worker simply because of my race.
3. I am treated like a second-class citizen because of my race.
4. I receive poorer treatment in restaurants and stores because of my race.
5. Sometimes I feel as if people look past me or don’t see me as a real person because of my race.
6. I feel invisible because of my race.
7. I am ignored in school or work environments because of my race.
8. My contributions are dismissed or devalued because of my racial background.
9. Other people make assumptions about my intelligence and abilities because of my race.
10. Other people treat me like a criminal because of my race.
11. People act like they are scared of me because of my race.
12. Others assume that I will behave aggressively because of my race.
13. I am singled out by police or security people because of my race.
14. Other people act as if they can fully understand my racial identity, even though they are not of my racial
background.
15. Others act as if all of the people of my race are alike.
16. Others suggest that people of my racial background get unfair benefits.
17. Others assume that people of my racial background would succeed in life if they simply worked harder.
18. Other people deny that people of my race face extra obstacles when compared to Whites.
19. Other people assume that I am successful because of affirmative action, not because I earned my
accomplishments.
20. Others hint that I should work hard to prove that I am not like other people of my race.
21. Others suggest that my racial heritage is dysfunctional or undesirable.
22. Others focus only on the negative aspects of my racial background.
23. People suggest that I am “exotic” in a sexual way because of my race.
24. Other people view me in an overly sexual way because of my race.
25. Other people hold sexual stereotypes about me because of my racial background.
26. Because of my race, other people assume that I am a foreigner.
27. Because of my race, people suggest that I am not a “true” American.
28. Other people ask me where I am from, suggesting that I don’t belong.
29. Other people assume that I am knowledgeable about multicultural issues, simply because I am a member of
a racial minority group.
30. Others ask me to serve as a “spokesperson” for people in my racial group.
31. When I interact with authority figures, they are usually of a different racial background.
32. I notice that there are few role models of my racial background in my chosen career.
33. Sometimes I am the only person of my racial background in my class or workplace.
34. Where I work or go to school, I see few people of my racial background.
35. I notice that there are few people of my racial background on the TV, books, and magazines.
39
[IF the participant indicates s/he is Asian, then the following group specific scale will be given:]
AARRSI
Please read each item and choose a response that best represents your reaction.
This has never
happened to me
This event
happened, but
did not bother
me
This event
happened and I
was slightly
bothered
This event
happened and I
was upset
This event
happened and I
was extremely
upset
0
1
2
3
4
15. A student you don’t know asks you for help in math.
16. Someone tells you that they heard that there is a gene that makes Asians smart.
17. Someone asks you if you know his or her Asian friend/coworker/classmate.
18. Someone assumes that they serve dog meat in Asian restaurants.
19. Someone tells you that your Asian American female friend looks just like
Connie Chung.
20. Someone you don’t know speaks slow and loud at you.
21. Someone asks you if all your friends are Asian Americans.
22. Someone asks you if you can teach him/her Karate.
23. Someone tells you that “you people are all the same”.
24. Someone tells you that all Asian people look alike
25. Someone tells you that Asian Americans are not targets of racism.
26. Someone you do not know asks you to help him/her fix his/her computer.
27. You are told that “you speak English so well.”
28. Someone asks you what your real name is.
29. You are asked where you are really from.
1.
You hear about a racially motivated murder of an Asian American man.
2.
You hear that Asian Americans are not significantly represented in management positions.
3.
You are told that Asians have assertiveness problems.
4.
You notice that Asian characters in American TV shows either speak bad or heavily accented English.
5.
You notice that in American movies male Asian leading characters never engage in physical contact
(kissing, etc.) with leading female characters even when the plot would seem to call for it.
6.
Someone tells you that the kitchens of Asian families smell and are dirty.
7.
You notice that US history books offer no information of the contributions of Asian Americans.
8.
You see a TV commercial in which an Asian character speaks bad English, and acts subservient to non-
Asian characters.
9.
You hear about an Asian American government scientist held in solitary confinement for mishandling
government documents when his non-Asian co-workers were not punished for the same offense.
10. You learn that Asian Americans were historically targets of racist actions.
11. You learn that most non-Asian Americans are ignorant of the oppression and racial prejudice Asian
Americans have endured in the U.S.
12. At a restaurant you notice that a White couple who came in after you is served before you.
13. You learn that, while immigration quotas on Asian peoples were severely restricted until the latter half of
the 1900s, quotas for European immigrants were not.
14. Someone tells you that it’s the Blacks that are the problem, not the Asians.
40
[IF the participant indicates s/he is Black, then the following group specific scale will be given:] IRRS-B
This survey questionnaire is intended to sample some of the experiences that Black people have in this country
because of their “blackness.” There are many experiences that a Black person can have in this country because
of his/her race. Some events happen just once, some more often, while others may happen frequently. Below
you will find listed some of these experiences, for which you are to indicate those that have happened to you or
someone very close to you (i.e., a family member or loved one). It is important to note that a person can be
affected by those events that happen to people close to them; this is why you are asked to consider such events
as applying to your experiences when you complete this questionnaire. Please select the number on the scale (0
to 4) that indicates the reaction you had to the event at the time it happened. If an event has happened more than
once, refer to the first time it happened. If an event did not happen, choose 0 and go on to the next item.
0 = This never happened to me.
1 = This event happened, but did not bother me.
2 = This event happened, and I was slightly upset.
3 = This event happened, and I was upset.
4 = This event happened, and I was extremely upset.
1. You notice that crimes committed by White people tend to be romanticized, whereas the same crime
committed by a Black person is portrayed as savagery, and the Black person who committed it, as an animal.
2. Sales people/clerks did not say thank you or show other forms of courtesy and respect (e.g., put your things
in a bag) when you shopped at some White/non-Black owned businesses.
3. You notice that when Black people are killed by the police, the media informs the public of the victim's
criminal record or negative information in their background, suggesting they got what they deserved.
4. You have been threatened with physical violence by an individual or group of White/non-Blacks.
5. You have observed that White kids who commit violent crimes are portrayed as "boys being boys," while
Black kids who commit similar crimes are wild animals.
6. You seldom hear or read anything positive about Black people on radio, TV, newspapers, or in history books.
7. While shopping at a store, the sales clerk assumed that you couldn’t afford certain items (e.g., you were
directed toward the items on sale).
8. You were the victim of a crime and the police treated you as if you should just accept it as part of being Black.
9. You were treated with less respect and courtesy than Whites and other non-Blacks while in a store,
restaurant, or other business establishment.
10. You were passed over for an important project although you were more qualified and competent than the
White/non-Black person given the task.
11. Whites/non-Blacks have stared at you as if you didn’t belong in the same place with them; whether it was a
restaurant, theater, or other place of business.
12. You have observed police treat White/non-Blacks with more respect and dignity than they do Blacks.
13. You have been subjected to racist jokes by Whites/non-Blacks in positions of authority and you did not
protest for fear they might have held it against you.
14. While shopping at a store, or when attempting to make a purchase, you were ignored as if you were not a
serious customer or didn’t have any money.
15. You have observed situations where other Blacks were treated harshly or unfairly by Whites/non-Blacks
due to their race.
16. You have heard reports of White people/non-Blacks who have committed crimes, and in an effort to cover
up their deeds falsely reported that a Black man was responsible for the crime.
17. You notice that the media plays up those stories that cast Blacks in negative ways (child abusers, rapists,
muggers, etc.), usually accompanied by a large picture of a Black person looking angry or disturbed.
18. You have heard racist remarks or comments about Black people spoken with impunity by White public
officials or other influential White people.
19. You have been given more work, or the most undesirable jobs at your place of employment while the
White/non-Black of equal or less seniority and credentials is given less work, and more desirable tasks.
20. You have heard or seen other Black people express a desire to be White or to have White physical
characteristics because they disliked being Black or thought it was ugly.
21. White people or other non-Blacks have treated you as if you were unintelligent and needed things explained
to you slowly or numerous times.
22. You were refused an apartment or other housing; you suspect it was because you’re Black.
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Emotional Response to Experiencing Racism
When you experience racial discrimination, to what extent do you feel each of the following:
1= not at all
2= a little bit
3= moderately
4= quite a bit
5= extremely
1. Anxious
2. Angry
3. Bitter
4. Empowered
5. Energized
6. Frustrated
7. Hopeless
8. Unaffected
9. Sad
PCL-C
Instructions: Below is a list of problems and complains that people sometimes have in response to racial
discrimination experiences. Please read each one carefully, then indicate how much you have been bothered by
that problem in the past month.
1= not at all
2= a little bit
3= moderately
4= quite a bit
5= extremely
1. Repeated, disturbing memories, thoughts, or images of a stressful experience from the past?
2. Repeated, disturbing dreams of a stressful experience from the past?
3. Suddenly acting or feeling as if a stressful experience were happening again (as if you were
reliving it)?
4. Feeling very upset when something reminded you of a stressful experience from the past?
5. Having physical reactions (e.g. heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating) when something
reminded you of a stressful experience from the past?
6. Avoiding thinking about or talking about a stressful experience from the past or avoiding
having feelings related to it?
7. Avoiding activities or situations because they reminded you of a stressful experience from the
past?
8. Trouble remembering important parts of a stressful experience from the past?
9. Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
10. Feeling distant or cut off from other people?
11. Feeling emotionally numb or being unable to have loving feelings for those close to you?
12. Feeling as if your future will somehow be cut short?
13. Trouble falling or staying asleep?
14. Feeling irritable or having angry outbursts?
15. Having difficulty concentrating?
16. Being “super-alert” or watchful or on guard?
17. Feeling jumpy or easily startled?
42
Brief COPE
These items deal with ways you've been coping with the stress in your life related to racism recently. There are
many ways to try to deal with problems. These items ask what you've been doing to cope with this
one. Obviously, different people deal with things in different ways, but I'm interested in how you've tried to
deal with it. Each item says something about a particular way of coping. I want to know to what extent you've
been doing what the item says. How much or how frequently. Don't answer on the basis of whether it seems to
be working or not—just whether or not you're doing it. Use these response choices. Try to rate each item
separately in your mind from the others. Make your answers as true FOR YOU as you can.
1 = I haven't been doing this at all
2 = I've been doing this a little bit
3 = I've been doing this a medium amount
4 = I've been doing this a lot
1. I've been turning to work or other activities to take my mind off things.
2. I've been concentrating my efforts on doing something about the situation I'm in.
3. I've been saying to myself "this isn't real.".
4. I've been using alcohol or other drugs to make myself feel better.
5. I've been getting emotional support from others.
6. I've been giving up trying to deal with it.
7. I've been taking action to try to make the situation better.
8. I've been refusing to believe that it has happened.
9. I've been saying things to let my unpleasant feelings escape.
10. I’ve been getting help and advice from other people.
11. I've been using alcohol or other drugs to help me get through it.
12. I've been trying to see it in a different light, to make it seem more positive.
13. I’ve been criticizing myself.
14. I've been trying to come up with a strategy about what to do.
15. I've been getting comfort and understanding from someone.
16. I've been giving up the attempt to cope.
17. I've been looking for something good in what is happening.
18. I've been making jokes about it.
19. I've been doing something to think about it less, such as going to movies, watching TV, reading,
daydreaming, sleeping, or shopping.
20. I've been accepting the reality of the fact that it has happened.
21. I've been expressing my negative feelings.
22. I've been trying to find comfort in my religion or spiritual beliefs.
23. I’ve been trying to get advice or help from other people about what to do.
24. I've been learning to live with it.
25. I've been thinking hard about what steps to take.
26. I’ve been blaming myself for things that happened.
27. I've been praying or meditating.
28. I've been making fun of the situation
43
REAR (Racism empowerment and resistance)
[This scale will be tailored to participants’ self-identification: Asian American, Latino/a, Black, and Native
American. Those choosing “other” above will be given this scale as it is here]
INSTRUCTIONS: Please complete the items below to reflect your actual experiences and what you do, rather
than your intentions or what you think you should or shouldn’t do. Remember, there is no “right” answer.
1= rarely
2= occasionally
3= sometimes
4= usually
5= almost always
1. I actively notice experiences of stereotyping, or racial discrimination against my racial group.
2. When someone says something that stereotypes or racially discriminates against my racial group, I
deliberately change the subject.
3. When someone says something that stereotypes or racially discriminates against my racial group, I
disengage from the person or conversation (e.g. avert my eyes, turn my body away, physically move away).
4. I remember instances of racial discrimination about my racial group to have as examples of the existence of
racism.
5. I choose not to laugh at jokes that stereotype or racially discriminate against my racial group.
6. I trust my feelings that something is racial discrimination against me or my racial group generally, even if I
am not certain of the intent.
7. I know that it is not my fault when I experience racial discrimination.
8. I refuse to allow messages that racially discriminate against my racial group to diminish my self-worth.
9. I feel good about my skin color, hair, nose, eyes, and other facial features despite messages that my racial
group features are unattractive.
10. I feel good about being my racial group despite messages that undermine that feeling.
11. I try to look White (eg. clothes, hair, makeup, etc.) to fit in.
12. I am not romantically attracted to other my racial group.
13. Racial discrimination against Asian Americans doesn’t really impact me because most people treat me well.
14. There is nothing I can do about racial discrimination against my racial group, so I don’t see a point in trying.
15. I educate myself about race and racial discrimination against my racial group.
16. I educate myself about how being my racial group interacts with experiences of privilege and oppression in
other areas to affect my life (e.g. interactions of race with sexual orientation, gender or social class).
17. I recognize that I have to actively work to address racial discrimination against my racial group.
18. I believe that it is rewarding to stand up to racial discrimination against my racial group, even though it is
hard.
19. I seek to reduce or resist racial discrimination against my racial group for the good of my community.
20. Thinking of future generations motivates me to address racial discrimination against my racial group.
21. I support and validate other my racial group when they experience racial discrimination.
22. I remind other my racial group that racism is real to help them clarify when something is or is not their fault.
23. I share my own experiences of racial discrimination as an Asian American/ Latino/a, Black/ African
American/ Native American in order to validate others’ experiences.
24. I participate in activities or organizations that contribute to racial equality and reducing racial discrimination
against my racial group.
25. I create or lead activities or organizations that contribute to racial equality and reducing racial discrimination
against my racial group.
26. I have educated others about race and racial discrimination against my racial group.
27. I engage in conversations with others about race and racial discrimination against my racial group directly in
person or online.
28. I seek to develop closer relationships with people who support my active resistance to racial discrimination
against my racial group.
29. I have distanced myself from people who are unwilling to address their racial biases or stereotyping of my
racial group.
44
30. I use social media to educate others and share information about race and racial discrimination against my
racial group.
31. I respond to other’s online postings about racial equality or racial discrimination for my racial group.
32. I create art, music, or poetry that is about race or racial discrimination against my racial group.
33. I share or promote art, music, or poetry created by others that is about race or racial discrimination against
my racial group.
34. When people say something that stereotypes or racially discriminates against my racial group, I point it out
to them.
35. I confront my friends and family when they do or say something that stereotypes or racially discriminates
against my racial group.
36. I confront my acquaintances when they do or say something that stereotypes or racially discriminates
against my racial group.
37. I sign petitions, written letters, or made phone calls to support racial equality or protest racial discrimination
against my racial group.
38. I participate in vigils or protests to support racial equality or protest racial discrimination against my racial
group.
39. I organize petitions, letter writing, or phone drives to support racial equality or protest racial discrimination
against my racial group.
40. I organize vigils or protests to support racial equality or protest racial discrimination against my racial
group.
41. I boycott stores or businesses with practices that discriminate against my racial group (e.g. racist
advertising, bias in hiring or serving, etc.)
42. I avoid watching movies, TV, videos, or reading media that perpetuates stereotypes or racial discrimination
against my racial group.
43. I participate in activities or organizations that contribute to racial equality or reducing racial discrimination
for all people of color, not only my racial group.
44. I create or lead activities or organizations that contribute to racial equality or reducing racial discrimination
for all people of color, not only my racial group.
45. I seek out relationships with other racial minorities to take a stand together against racial discrimination.
46. I advocate for racial equality in spaces that are not focused on race or racial discrimination (e.g. feminist
spaces, religious spaces, or queer spaces).
47. I participate in activities or organizations that contribute to resisting or reducing all forms of oppression, not
only racism (e.g. sexism, classism, heterosexism, etc.).
48. I create or lead activities or organizations that contribute to resisting or reducing all forms of oppression, not
only racism (e.g. sexism, classism, heterosexism, etc.).
49. I actively build coalitions across groups of marginalized identities (e.g.. race, gender, sexual orientation,
religion, etc.) to resist oppression.
50. I take action to resist all forms of oppression not just racism,(e.g. sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism).
Effect of general racism
We are interested in your experience with racism. As you answer the questions below, please think about your
ENITRE LIFE, from when you were a child to the present. Please choose the number that best captures the
things that have happened to you.
How different would your life be now if you HAD NOT BEEN treated in a racist and unfair way:
Circle 1 = If your life would be the same
Circle 2 = If your life would be a little different (less than 10% of the time)
Circle 3 = If your life would be different in a few ways (10-25% of the time)
Circle 4 = If your life would be different in a lot of ways (26% - 49% of the time)
Circle 5 = If your life would be different in most ways (50 – 70% of the time)
Circle 6 = If your life would be totally different (more than 70% of the time)
45
DEMOGRAPHICS QUESTIONNAIRE
The following questions are to help us get a better sense of who is responding to this survey. Some of the
questions may be related to the other things we ask about in the survey, but many of them we don’t expect to be
related to the other questions. We just want to be able to describe the people who filled out these questionnaires
so that we can clearly see how our findings might relate to people from different backgrounds. We know that
these categories do not fully capture the complexities of each individual’s experience, however they are an
attempt to reflect the diversity of people’s identities. Remember that you are free to choose not to respond to any
questions that you are not comfortable answering.
1. What is your current age? (please write in answer): _____________
2. What is your biological sex?
Male
Female
Intersex
3. What is your gender identity?
Male
Female
Transgender
Other (Specify if you choose_______________)
4. What is your sexual orientation?
Bisexual
Gay/Lesbian
Heterosexual
Queer
Asexual
Pansexual
Other (e.g., Questioning) Specify if you choose ______________
5. What is your marital status: (check one):
Single
Married
Civil
Union
Cohabitating
Separated
Divorced
Widowed
6. With what religion or spiritual practice (if any) do you identify? __________________________________
7. What is the highest grade in school, year in college, or post-college degree work you have completed?
Less than 7th grade
Middle school or junior high (7th to 9th grade)
Some high school (10th or 11th grade)
High School diploma
Some college
Associates degree
Trade school certification (post high school)
College degree (B.A., or B.S.)
Master’s degree (e.g. M.A., M.B.A., or M.S.)
Professional or doctoral degree (e.g. M.D., J.D., or Ph.D.)
8. Are you currently:
46
Part time student
Full time student
Not a student
9. Are you currently involved in paid work:
Not at all
Working 1-20 hours per week
Working 21-30 hours per week
Working 31-40 hours per week
Working over 40 hours per week
10. If you are currently involved in paid work, check the category for your occupation.
Occupation
Day laborer, janitor, house cleaner, farm worker, food counter sales, food preparation worker,
busboy.
Garbage collector, short-order cook, cab driver, shoe sales, assembly line workers, masons,
baggage porter.
Painter, skilled construction trade, sales clerk, truck driver, cook, sales counter or general office
clerk.
Automobile mechanic, typist, locksmith, farmer, carpenter, receptionist, construction laborer,
hairdresser.
Machinist, musician, bookkeeper, secretary, insurance sales, cabinet maker, personnel specialist,
welder.
Supervisor, librarian, aircraft mechanic, artist and artisan, electrician, administrator, military
enlisted personnel, buyer.
Nurse, skilled technician, medical technician, counselor, manager, police and fire personnel,
financial manager, physical, occupational, speech therapist.
Mechanical, nuclear, and electrical engineer, educational administrator, veterinarian, military
officer, elementary, high school and special education teacher,
Physician, attorney, professor, chemical and aerospace engineer, judge, CEO, senior manager,
public official, psychologist, pharmacist, accountant.
11. Currently, your total household annual income (all earners) is:
$0 - $15,000
$15,001 – $25,000
$25,001 – $35,000
$35,001 - $50,000
$50,001 - $75,000
$75,001 - $100,000
$100,001 - $200,000
More than $200,000
12. Were you financially supported by someone else this past year?
yes
no
47
13. What is the total number of people who rely on this income (including yourself)?:_____
14. Currently, how would you describe the financial situation of your family?
Routinely unable to purchase sufficient food or other basic necessities
Occasionally unable to purchase sufficient food or other basic necessities
Never worried about having enough money for the necessities
Have more than enough money for necessities and some luxuries
15. What languages do you currently speak:
English
Other (please specify) ________________________________________
Other (please specify) ________________________________________
16. How fluent are you currently in English?
Not at all fluent
Moderately fluent
Completely fluent
1
2
3
4
5
17. What language is currently used in your home?
English
Other (please specify) __________
18. How fluent are you in that language currently?
Not at all fluent
Moderately fluent
Completely fluent
1
2
3
4
5
Racial and Ethnic Background
We’re interested in getting a complete picture of your racial and ethnic background. Because this information
can be so complex, we are going to ask you several questions about your race and ethnicity in order to get as
complete a picture as possible.
Racial categories are based on visible attributes (for example, skin color or eye shape, other facial or bodily
feature) and self-identification. These groupings have social meanings that affect how people see themselves
and are seen and treated by others. Race is not the same as ethnicity or culture.
19. In your own words, what is your racial identification(s)?
20. Although the categories listed below may not represent your full identity or use the language you prefer, for
the purpose of this survey, please indicate which group below most accurately describes your racial
identification? (check all that apply)
Alaskan Native/Native
Latino(a)/Hispanic (White)
48
American/Indigenous
Asian
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian
Black
White
Latino(a)/Hispanic (Non-White)
Multiracial (please specify):____________________
Other (please specify): _______________________
21. How important is your racial identity to you? (Please circle one)
not very important
to who I am
somewhat
important to who I
am
very important to
who I am
1
2
3
4
5
22. How often do people perceive you to be the race you are? (Please circle one)
hardly ever
perceived correctly
sometimes
perceived correctly
always perceived
correctly
1
2
3
4
5
23. If you indicated that people sometimes or frequently do not perceive you correctly (1, 2, 3), please indicate
the race that people most frequently perceive you to be:
Alaskan Native/Native
American/Indigenous
Latino(a)/Hispanic (White)
Asian
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian
Black
White
Latino(a)/Hispanic (Non-White)
Multiracial (please specify):____________________
Other (please specify): _______________________
24. Ethnicity or ethnic culture refers to patterns of ideas and practices associated with a group of people sharing
a common history, geographic background, and/or language, rather than their racial background. It might
include things like values, patterns of interacting, food, dress, holidays, or ways of seeing the world, yourself, or
other people. There are hundreds of different ethnic culture backgrounds within the people in the United States.
(such as Cuban, Haitian, Cambodian, African-American, Ukrainian, etc.). In your own words, what is your
ethnic identification(s)?
_______________
25. Although the categories listed below may not represent your full identity or use the language you prefer, for
the purpose of this survey, please indicate which group below most accurately describes your ethnic culture
identification? Categories are listed in relation to the regions of the world from which they originate and not all
ethnicities are listed—please write in your ethnicity if you do not see it listed.
We are interested in the ethnicity that affects your daily experience, which may be the heritage of your ancestors
but may not be, because people and families change over time. Your ethnicity may be from your specific
heritage if you continue to practice and be affected by that heritage, or your ethnicity may be a more pan-ethnic
or pan-American ethnicity. You may check “American” if that is your primary cultural identity, or check a pan-
ethnic identification (e.g. Asian American, Latino American).
49
United States/American
o United States
o American (United States)
o African American
o Asian American (pan-ethnic)
o European American (pan-ethnic)
o Latino American (pan-ethnic)
o Native or Indigenous American (pan-ethnic)
o
North American (not United States)
o Canadian
o Mexican
Asian
o Afghan
o Bangladeshi
o Bhutanese
o Burmese
o Cambodian
o Chinese
o Filipino
o Hmong
o Indian
o Indonesian
o Japanese
o Korean
o Laotian
o Malaysian
o Mien
o Nepalese
o Pakistani
o Sri Lankan
o Taiwanese
o Thai
o Tibetan
o Vietnamese
o Other Asian ________
African
o Cape Verdean
o Kenyan
o Nigerian
o Rwandan
o Somalian
o South African
o Sudanese
50
Caribbean
o Bahamian
o Cuban
o Dominican Republic
o Haitian
o Jamaican
o Puerto Rican
Australia and the Pacific Islands (including Hawaii)
o Australian
o Fijian
o Guamanian
o Native Hawaiian
o Samoan
o Tongan
South and Central America
o Argentinian
o Belizean
o Bolivian
o Brazilian
o Chilean
o Columbian
o Costa Rican
o El Savadorian
o Guatamalan
o Guyanese
o Honduran
o Panamanian
o Peruvian
o Surinamese
o Venezuelan
Middle East
o Iranian
o Iraqi
o Israeli
o Palestinian
o Saudi Arabian
Native or Indigenous North American
o Cayuga
o Maliseet
o Mohawk
o Mohegan
o Narragansett
o Nipmuc
o Oneida
o Onondaga
o Passamaquoddy
o Penobscot
o Pequot
51
o Seneca
o Shinnecock
o Tuscarora
o Wampanoag
o Other Native or Indigenous North American (please specify) ___
Europe
o Albanian
o Austrian
o Dutch
o English
o French
o German
o Greek
o Hungarian
o Icelandic
o Irish
o Italian
o Latvian
o Polish
o Portuguese
o Spanish
o Swedish
o Swiss
o Ukranian
26. How much do you embrace the values in the ethnic culture(s) you identified above?
not at all
somewhat
very much
1
2
3
4
5
27. How much do you participate in the ethnic culture(s) you identified above?
not at all
somewhat
very much
1
2
3
4
5
28. How much do you embrace the values in the American culture?
not at all
somewhat
very much
1
2
3
4
5
29. How much do you participate in the American culture?
not at all
somewhat
very much
1
2
3
4
5
30. How important is your ethnic identity to you? (Please circle one)
not very important
to who I am
somewhat
important to who I
am
very important to
who I am
1
2
3
4
5
52
31. How often do people seem to expect or assume that you are familiar with the cultural practices of the
ethnicity with which you most identify (your answer to question 22)?
Almost never
expected to be
familiar
sometimes expected
to be familiar
always expected to
be familiar
1
2
3
4
5
32. If you indicated that people sometimes or frequently do not expect you to be familiar with the cultural
practices of your identified ethnicity, if you have an idea of what culture they assume you are affiliated with,
please indicate this: ____________________
33. How often do people seem to expect or assume that you are familiar with American cultural practices?
Almost never
expected to be
familiar
sometimes expected
to be familiar
always expected to
be familiar
1
2
3
4
5
34. If you indicated that people sometimes or frequently do not expect you to be familiar with American cultural
practices, what is your impression of what culture they assume you are most familiar with:
_______________________________
FAMILY AND BACKGROUND
35. Where were you born ?
In the United States (one of the 50 states)
In a United States territory such as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands,
U.S. Virgin Islands, etc.
Outside the U.S. or its territories. (Please specify what country: __)
36. If you were not born in the United States, how old were you when you came here? ___
37. What language(s) were primarily used in your home while you were growing up (check all that apply)?
English
Other (please specify) ________________________________________
38. If a language other than English was used in your home growing up, how fluent are you in that language
currently?
Not at all fluent
Moderately fluent
Completely fluent
1
2
3
4
5
39. Was English the first language you learned?
Yes
No
40. Since living in the U.S. my neighborhoods have been:
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Mostly similar to both my race and ethnicity
Mostly similar to my race but of a different ethnicity
Mostly people of color but different from my race
Mostly White European American
Mixed White and people of color
41. Since living in the U.S., my friends have mostly been:
Mostly similar to both my race and ethnicity
Mostly similar to my race but of a different ethnicity
Mostly people of color but different from my race
Mostly White European American
Mixed White and people of color
42. Who was your primary caregiver while you were growing up? (Choose one: if you had more than one
primary caregiver you will be given a chance later to respond to these items for additional caregivers)
Mother
Father
Grandmother
Grandfather
Aunt
Uncle
Other family member
Legal guardian
Other (Please specify) ___________________
43. Where was this person born?
In the United States (one of the 50 states)
In a United States territory such as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands,
U.S. Virgin Islands, etc.
Outside the U.S. or its territories. (Please specify what country: ______)
44. If he/she was not born in the U.S., has he/she ever lived in the U.S. with an intention of settling in the U.S.?
Yes
No
44a. If this person was not born in the U.S. but has lived in the U.S., how old was he/she when he/she first came
to the U.S. with the intention to stay? ________
45. What is the highest grade in school, year in college, or post-college degree work that this person has
completed?
Less than 7th grade
Middle school or junior high (7th to 9th grade)
Some high school (10th or 11th grade)
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High School diploma
Some college
Associates degree
Trade school certification (post high school)
College degree (B.A., or B.S.)
Master’s degree (e.g. M.A., M.B.A., or M.S.)
Professional or doctoral degree (e.g. M.D., J.D., or Ph.D.)
46. If this person worked outside the home, check the category for her or his occupation while you were
growing up.
Occupation
Day laborer, janitor, house cleaner, farm worker, food counter sales, food preparation worker,
busboy.
Garbage collector, short-order cook, cab driver, shoe sales, assembly line workers, masons,
baggage porter.
Painter, skilled construction trade, sales clerk, truck driver, cook, sales counter or general office
clerk.
Automobile mechanic, typist, locksmith, farmer, carpenter, receptionist, construction laborer,
hairdresser.
Machinist, musician, bookkeeper, secretary, insurance sales, cabinet maker, personnel specialist,
welder.
Supervisor, librarian, aircraft mechanic, artist and artisan, electrician, administrator, military
enlisted personnel, buyer.
Nurse, skilled technician, medical technician, counselor, manager, police and fire personnel,
financial manager, physical, occupational, speech therapist.
Mechanical, nuclear, and electrical engineer, educational administrator, veterinarian, military
officer, elementary, high school and special education teacher,
Physician, attorney, professor, chemical and aerospace engineer, judge, CEO, senior manager,
public official, psychologist, pharmacist, accountant.
47. Did you have another caregiver while you were growing up?
Yes
No (If no, please skip to question #).
48. If so, who was this person?
Mother
Father
Grandmother
Grandfather
Aunt
Uncle
Other family member
Legal guardian
Other (Please specify) ___________________
55
56
49. Where was this person born?
In the United States (one of the 50 states)
In a United States territory such as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands,
U.S. Virgin Islands, etc.
Outside the U.S. or its territories. (Please specify what country: ____)
49a. If he/she was not born in the U.S., has he/she ever lived in the U.S. as an immigrant, permanent resident, or
citizen?
Yes
No
49b. If this person was not born in the U.S. but has lived in the U.S., how old was he/she when he/she first came
to the U.S.? ________________________________
50. What is the highest grade in school, year in college, or post-college degree work that this person has
completed?
Less than 7th grade
Middle school or junior high (7th to 9th grade)
Some high school (10th or 11th grade)
High School diploma
Some college
Associates degree
Trade school certification (post high school)
College degree (B.A., or B.S.)
Master’s degree (e.g. M.A., M.B.A., or M.S.)
Professional or doctoral degree (e.g. M.D., J.D., or Ph.D.)
51. If this person worked outside the home, check the category for her or his occupation while you were
growing up.
Occupation
Day laborer, janitor, house cleaner, farm worker, food counter sales, food preparation worker,
busboy.
Garbage collector, short-order cook, cab driver, shoe sales, assembly line workers, masons,
baggage porter.
Painter, skilled construction trade, sales clerk, truck driver, cook, sales counter or general office
clerk.
Automobile mechanic, typist, locksmith, farmer, carpenter, receptionist, construction laborer,
hairdresser.
Machinist, musician, bookkeeper, secretary, insurance sales, cabinet maker, personnel specialist,
welder.
Supervisor, librarian, aircraft mechanic, artist and artisan, electrician, administrator, military
enlisted personnel, buyer.
Nurse, skilled technician, medical technician, counselor, manager, police and fire personnel,
financial manager, physical, occupational, speech therapist.
57
Mechanical, nuclear, and electrical engineer, educational administrator, veterinarian, military
officer, elementary, high school and special education teacher,
Physician, attorney, professor, chemical and aerospace engineer, judge, CEO, senior manager,
public official, psychologist, pharmacist, accountant.
52. Growing up, your family’s average annual household income (all earners) was:
$0 - $15,000
$15,001 – $25,000
$25,001 – $35,000
$35,001 - $50,000
$50,001 - $75,000
$75,001 - $100,000
$100,001 - $200,000
More than $200,000
I don’t know
53. What is the total number of people who relied on this income (including yourself)?: ___
54. Have any of your primary caregivers personally experienced war or genocide or been refugees from war or
genocide that happened in their own country?
No
Yes
54a. If yes, which war? ________
54b. Which of your primary caregivers had the experience of war/genocide or experienced becoming a refugee
due to war/genocide? ___
55. Growing up, how would you describe the financial situation of your family?
Routinely unable to purchase sufficient food or other basic necessities
Occasionally unable to purchase sufficient food or other basic necessities
Never worried about having enough money for the necessities
Have more than enough money for necessities and some luxuries
56. In what sort of community were you primarily raised?
Farm/rural
Small town
Medium-sized town/Suburb
Small city/Large suburb
Urban
57. Is there anyone you know who might want to participate in this study? If so, please provide their emails
addresses here and we will send them an invitation to participate:
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58. Would you be interested in completing a shorter survey as a follow up at a later time in a few months? If so,
you will be provided with a $10 gift card to amazon.com at the time of your completed follow-up participation.
Yes
No
58a. If so, please provide your email address so we may contact you in the future:
Upon IRB approval, this question will be added to the original protocol following the call for
participants in the specific follow-up study. “Would you be interested in participating in future studies?
If so, please provide an e-mail address for future contact.”
(Upon IRB approval for this modification, those who participated before the addition of this
question to the survey, who indicated an interest in the follow-up study from the current survey
protocol, and who are not selected for that specific follow-up survey will receive an e-mail
asking if they would also like to be contacted to participate in future studies on similar topics
(Appendix B5). Participants’ consent to being contacted for future studies will in no way
contribute to any expectation that they will choose to participate once contacted for such
studies.)
59. [if the participant indicated that s/he was Black] Would you be interested in participating in an interview
about ethnic culture among Black Americans? If so, you will be provided with a $15 gift card to amazon.upon
completion of the interview.
Yes
No
59a. If so, please provide your email address so we may contact you in the future:
60. Are you participating in this study in connection with obtaining extra credit for research participation for a
class at the University of Massachusetts?
60a. If so, please provide your name, student number, class, and professor:
60b. If not: as a thank you for your participation, you may choose one of the following:
Enter me into a raffle for a Visa gift card
I want to give up my raffle chance and have the researcher donate $5 to the Southern Poverty Law
Center to support social justice and racial equity (up to a total of $2000 from the researchers).
61. If you have chosen to be entered into the raffle, please provide your email address so we may contact you if
you are selected:________________