DNA Collection in a Social Science Study: A Pilot Study of Peer Impacts on Attitudes and Drinking Behavior

Amy Lucas, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Jonathan Daw, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hedwig Lee, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Craig Owen, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Emily McKendry-Smith, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

We report the experiences and participation rates of a pilot study of college drinking behavior incorporating both web survey and DNA collection components. 78% of the eligible sample completed the web survey, and 83.2% of those submitted DNA samples, for an overall participation rate of 64.9%. No evidence of lower participation rates along gender or racial/ethnic lines was observed, although there is some suggestive evidence of different levels of participant comfort with the process by race. We conclude that genetic data can readily be collected by traditional social science research teams.