For Research Participants

1. What kind of research does RySense do?

We systematically collect and interpret information using statistical and analytical methods and techniques of the applied social sciences. The research areas we focus on include social trends and public opinion.

2. How do you choose/identify people to participate in the research?

Our research participants are randomly selected from the population and asked to voluntarily participate in the research if they meet the profile of interest for that study.

3. My number is in the Do Not Call (DNC) registry. Why are you still calling me?

The DNC registry is meant for telemarketing calls or commercial messages. Our work is not covered under this as it is meant for research purposes only.

For more information on the DNC registry, you may wish to visit the Personal Data Protection Commission’s website at www.pdpc.gov.sg

COVID-19 Precautionary Measures

UPDATE 29 AUGUST 2022:

Focus Groups

1. What is RySense doing to ensure the safety of respondents and staff in the current COVID-19 situation?

We have put in place adequate precautionary measures for our focus groups.

Respondent pre-screening measures

  • Anyone who tests positive on the Antigen Rapid Test (ART) will not be allowed to participate in the focus group.
  • Respondents are informed not to turn up for the focus group if they are feeling unwell.
  • Those who are unwell and still turn up will not be allowed to participate.

Safety during the focus group

  • Everyone participating in the focus group, including RySense staff and moderators, must wash or sanitise their hands before the focus group commences. Wearing a mask is optional but encouraged, given the prolonged contact with other respondents during the focus group.
  • Hand sanitiser will be provided throughout the focus group session so respondents can sanitise their hands at any time.

Safety for RySense staff

All RySense staff are required to abide by safety protocols in the office, including:

  • Staying away from office if they feel unwell and/or test positive on the antigen rapid test (ART).
  • Regularly sanitising their hands.

Safety of our office premises

  • To minimise the risk of cross-contamination, we have also applied antimicrobial coating on high touch point surfaces such as doorknobs and door handles. Used in hospitals, this coating kills viruses and bacteria, and offers long-lasting protection 24 hours a day. The coating is re-applied regularly to enhance the safety of all staff and visitors.
  • For the ongoing safety of all our staff and visitors, our office is fitted with an air purification system that destroys 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, with a performance level similar to those used in healthcare facilities. Please see FAQ#7 for more information.

2. I’ve turned up for the focus group. Why am I being turned away? I feel fine.

As a precaution to ensure the safety of others, if you are having a fever or display flu-like symptoms such as cough, runny nose or a sore throat, we will request that you not participate in the focus group and seek medical attention immediately.

3. Why do I need to wash or sanitise my hands? I am allergic to sanitiser.

As part of our precautionary measures to provide a safe environment for all attending the focus group, we request that respondents wash and sanitise their hands before the focus group commences.

If you have washed your hands with soap before the group commences, using hand sanitiser is not a must. Alternatively, you can use your own personal allergen-free sanitiser as an added precaution for the safety of all respondents.

4. I’ve already turned up, but I don’t feel comfortable. If I don’t want to take part in the study, or if I choose to leave halfway, do I still get an incentive for coming down?

Your feedback is important to us, and we hope you will participate to be a voice for the thoughts and feelings of our fellow Singaporeans. We understand, however, if you do not feel comfortable and wish to leave at any point.

Participation in our focus groups is completely voluntary, and the incentive is a token of our appreciation for staying for the full duration of the focus group. Please understand that we do not give any incentive, full or partial, if you choose to leave the focus group before it has finished.

5. What happens if there’s a COVID-19 case from the focus group I attended? Will I be informed?

We are fully committed to cooperate with the relevant Singapore Government authorities should the need arise for contact tracing for any confirmed or suspected cases identified from our focus groups. The authorities will inform the respondents considered to be at risk and provide further advice.

6. Who do I inform if I feel unwell/am infected after I complete your survey?

Please seek treatment at any of the Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs), polyclinics or your family doctor. You may look for a PHPC near you at www.phpc.gov.sg. All cases fulfilling the suspect case definition will be reported by your doctor to the Ministry of Health (MOH).

7. What is the air purification system you are using? How does it protect the health of staff and visitors to your office?

Our office is fitted with an air purification system by BioZone that destroys 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. It is a system that meets the performance standards of healthcare facilities, and is being used by establishments such as Thomson Medical, ION Orchard and Tampines One. The system makes use of the latest Photo Plasma technology to reach every corner of a room, killing both airborne and surface contaminants. This provides a safer and more comfortable environment for all our respondents and staff. For more information on the system, please visit https://www.biozonesg.net/technology.

Door-to-door/Household Surveys

1. In view of the current COVID-19 situation, what precautionary measures do you have in place?

We have put in place adequate precautionary measures for our door-to-door household surveys.

Precautions taken by interviewers before the survey

  • Any interviewer who tests positive on the antigen rapid test (ART) is not allowed to work.
  • All interviewers are required to observe good personal hygiene, including sanitising their hands before and after each survey.

Safety during the survey

  • In view of the evolving Covid-19 situation, interviewers are still encouraged to keep their masks on when conducting surveys.
  • Self - disinfecting coating has been applied to the iPads that the interviewers use during the interview.

2. Your precautionary measures don't seem sufficient. COVID-19 cases can be asymptomatic. Will you stop conducting surveys if the number of cases goes up?

We have put in place adequate precautionary measures for any research conducted in-person. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and update our protocols in line with the latest government guidelines.

Participation in our surveys is completely voluntary. We understand if you do not feel comfortable, and you may choose not to participate or opt-out at any point in time. However, we hope you will consider participating to be a voice for the thoughts and feelings of our fellow Singaporeans.

3. Who do I inform if I feel unwell/am infected after I complete your survey?

Please seek treatment at any of the Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs), polyclinics or your family doctor. You may look for a PHPC near you at www.phpc.gov.sg. All cases fulfilling the suspect case definition will be reported by your doctor to the Ministry of Health (MOH).