Participation in Studies or Surveys
Has Westat asked you or a family member to take part in a survey or study?
We conduct many research studies on behalf of local, state, and federal government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Your role is important. By participating in a study, you can contribute to improving health care, safety standards, and education across our nation and around the world.
Your information is safe and secure. We will never use your name in a study report, and we will never share your personal facts or contact information with anyone else. We store all study information in secure facilities on locked systems and destroy personal data after the study is complete. Participation is strictly voluntary, and you may decide at any time not to continue. For more information, see Westat’s Privacy Policy.
Do you have questions about a particular study?
Each study’s set of rules is different. If you don’t see the study you were contacted about listed below, please call the phone number you were given in your recruitment package.
Select Current Westat studies
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Track COVID at Home!
Westat is collecting information for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Track COVID at Home! study. The study is designed to estimate (1) the transmission or “secondary attack rate” of COVID-19 within a household and (2) the effectiveness of vaccination. Participants include both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons. For more information, see the CDC’s website: Respiratory Virus Transmission Network (RVTN), or the study’s website: Track COVID at Home!
- Health and Injury Study
Westat is conducting the Health and Injury Study in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you received an invitation for this study, thank you in advance for your participation.
- National Study of Young Adults
Westat is conducting the National Study of Young Adults in partnership with the National Institutes of Justice (NIJ) and New York University (NYU). If you received an invitation to participate in this study, please visit the following website and enter the PIN on your invitation letter to sign up at the study website: National Study of Young Adults
- Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR)
Westat is conducting the Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR) in partnership with the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the National Science Foundation (NSF). If you received an invitation to participate in this study, thank you in advance for your participation. You can find more information about the study on the survey webpage: 2021 Survey of Doctorate Recipients
Frequently asked questions about participating in research studies
Westat conducts a wide range of research studies. Most include surveys or interviews that ask questions about behaviors, attitudes, or opinions related to a specific topic. Browse around the rest of our web site to get an idea of the range of topics our research studies cover.
Most studies provide money or gift cards for participation. The amounts are different depending on the type of study.
The information needed from participants varies from study to study. We typically ask for your name, age, gender, race/ethnicity, and level of education. In addition, we may need to ask questions to determine if you are eligible for the study (e.g., are you a smoker?). Finally, we will ask for contact information so that we can follow up with you.
Not necessarily. We have a limited number of slots for each research study.
No. You always have the choice to not participate. All of our studies are voluntary.
What if I have more questions?
If you have questions or comments, please contact us at ResearchParticipants@westat.com.
