Abstract
The objective of the proposed project is to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel approach to participant recruitment. We will explore whether the trusted parasocial relationships formed between TV show characters and viewers can be leveraged to encourage engagement with research. After watching a storyline on a popular television show about a clinical trial, viewers will be invited to visit a research website that is matched to the disease in the storyline.
We will measure web traffic increases over baseline as a proxy for the public's interest-seeking behavior related to research. As the approach will require partnership with both the TV show/network and a disease foundation, we will also document and describe the partnership process. If successful, this pilot project will open doors for disseminating research opportunities and findings via popular media, as well as further investigations into the psychological mechanisms and other factors involved.