Study on Immune System Activity and Decision Making; Get Free Flu Shot and $25-$40 Gift Card

Participants are needed for a study examining the effects of the immune system on social perception in the workplace. People's immune system is activated when they are sick or experiencing a stressor, and recent research suggests that it affects people's social behavior as well. Because people often have to make important decisions about hiring and promotions while they are sick or stressed, it is important to figure out how the immune system affects people's thought processes about other people. In this study, researchers are seeking participants who will be given the flu vaccine to temporarily activate their immune system. 

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 40 is potentially eligible — including students, staff, faculty, alumni, and anyone who lives in Northwest Arkansas. People who have gotten the flu vaccine since August 2021 are not eligible. People who have had allergic reactions or bad side effects due to the flu vaccine or other vaccines in the past should not participate in the study. People who have diagnosed illnesses that suppress their immune system functioning should not participate in the study. All participants will go through a phone screening to check eligibility.

Participants will get a shot at the UAMS-NorthWest clinic in Fayetteville — half of the participants will get the flu shot and half will get a shot with salt water but no vaccine or medicine (these participants will get the actual flu shot at the end of the study). The next day, participants will complete a Zoom session with a researcher that will last no longer than an hour and a half. During this session, participants will complete tasks and questionnaires about social perception — the way people view other people. Participants will also be asked to give their impression of different social interactions.

All participants will receive a flu shot for free as well as a $40 gift card to Amazon or Walmart for participation.

If you are interested and would like more information, please visit sparklab.uark.edu/flushotstudy.