Frequently asked questions

Am I a good fit for this project?

We are looking for data collection collaborators who either collect data via their own channels or provide funding to collect data via panel providers. For more information skip to ‘Data Collection Collaborator FAQ’s’ below. 

How can I apply to become a collaborator?

If you would like to collaborate with us, we ask that you complete this short 2-minute survey. Once you have completed this form, we will be in direct contact with further details at a later date.

What is the project timeline?

Our aim is to submit a Stage 1 Registered Report to Nature by April of 2025. Data collection and submission of the Stage 2 Registered Report will take place in 2025-2026 after the acceptance of the Stage 1 Report.

What if I have more questions?

You can contact the research team at happinessmegastudy@gmail.com. Please note that we will not be able to answer all questions immediately.

Data Collection Collaborator FAQ’s

What am I expected to do and when? 

As a data collection collaborator, you will be expected to translate the study to the language of your country (if it’s not English) and contribute to the data collection efforts. More information about the specifics will follow during the fall. We will share a collaboration agreement with you ahead of your data collection window to help you understand what is expected of collaborators on this project.

Do data collection collaborators become co-authors?

Yes. Data collection collaborators will be asked to sign a collaboration agreement which formalises the process and makes the requirements for co-authorship clear (e.g., minimum number of participants). If these conditions are met, data collection collaborators will become co-authors on the final publication.

Which countries are you collecting data from?

The short answer to this question is ‘as many as possible’. However, it is possible that we need to focus on a limited set of selected countries to keep the project feasible. 

Am I eligible? Shall I work alone?

Collaborators need to be PhD students, postdocs or PIs working at a university or individuals working at an equivalent research institution. Data collection collaborators will be allowed to form teams.

What if I am not able to fund data collection?

Having funds to support data collection is not a requirement for this project. Even if data collection is not possible you may be able to help us by translating and testing the survey. We encourage you to fill out the Expression of Interest form either way. We are applying for funding which, if successful, will support data collection in multiple countries. 

Do I need ethics approval before collecting data?

Ethics approval will need to be obtained by an institution in each country before data collection can go ahead. We will provide support for this process.

If I fulfill my role, what’s in it for me?

Those who collect data and meet the requirements set out in our collaboration agreement will become co-authors on the final publication.