What are the interviews like?

We do casual, in-person audio-recorded interviews focusing on your life and experiences growing up, how the area has changed in your lifetime, and how you think it compares to other places. Since we are interested in language, we will also ask you about your opinions related to accents and language(s) spoken across Rhode Island, New England, and the United States more generally. We’ll have plenty of topics and questions prepared, but we’re most interested in the perspectives that you think are important to share with us.

After the main portion of the interview, we’ll also ask you to read a short list of words out loud. These are words that can sometimes be pronounced differently in different parts of the country. We may also ask you to tell us your thoughts about different parts of Rhode Island and the United States using maps. All of our procedures are approved by Brown’s Institutional Review Board (Study #STUDY00000419).

How long are the interviews?

Interviews typically take between 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how much you have to share with us.

When and where do you conduct interviews?

Interviews are conducted in person with one or two members of our research team. You can come to Brown’s campus in Providence, or we can meet anywhere within about an hour of Providence (including anywhere in Rhode Island) that is convenient to you. We’ll find a date and time that works with your schedule: we can meet during business hours, in the evenings, or on the weekend.

Will I be compensated for the interview?

You will receive $20 in cash as a “thank you” for your time.

Do I need to live in Providence to be interviewed?

No – if you are a lifelong Rhode Islander who has lived in Providence in the past but currently live elsewhere in the Rhode Island area, we are still interested in your participation! That said, since we do our interviews in person, you must currently live nearby. We can travel within about an hour of Providence to meet you.

Will my information be shared publicly?

We will only share the things you say in an interview if you agree to it in our consent forms. If you do give us permission to share quotes or clips from the interview, we will not use your name or other identifying information about you. You can also choose to redact any part of the interview.

How do I sign up?

When you fill out our online form to participate, a member of our research team will contact you to discuss further details and arrange a time and place for the interview.

Other questions?

You may email the Principal Investigator of this study, Dr. Jaime Benheim, at jaime_benheim [at] brown.edu.