Participant Guide for the SMAAT Mobile App

Welcome to the SMAAT (Sensor-based Mobile Assessment and Tracking) mobile app! This guide is designed for Participants who will join research studies, complete surveys, and contribute data through the SMAAT app, available on iOS and Android. Whether you’re participating in academic research, clinical studies, or behavioral experiments, this guide will walk you through every step, from creating an account to managing your study participation.

The SMAAT app allows you to engage with studies by completing surveys, enabling sensor data collection (e.g., location, motion), and receiving notifications. With a user-friendly interface and secure data handling, the app ensures your privacy while making participation straightforward.

Creating Your Participant Account

To start participating in studies, you need to create a participant account in the SMAAT mobile app. Follow these steps to set up your account:

  1. Download the SMAAT app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  2. Open the app and select Sign Up. Enter a unique username, a secure password, and confirm your password.
  3. Agree to the Terms and Conditions and tap the Sign Up button.
  4. If you already have an account, tap Login, enter your username and password, and sign in. If you’ve forgotten your password, tap Forgot Password?, enter your email address, and follow the reset link sent to your inbox.

Troubleshooting Tip: If you see an error like “Username already taken,” choose a different username. If you don’t receive a password reset email, check your spam or junk folder or contact study support.

Screenshot of the SMAAT app signup screen, showing fields for username, password, confirm password, and an optional email, with Sign Up and Login buttons.
The signup screen in the SMAAT app, displaying input fields for creating a participant account.

Finding and Joining a Study

Once your account is set up, you can join a research study. There are several ways to find and join a study:

  • Study Code: Enter the study code provided by the researcher and tap Join.
  • QR Code: Scan the invitation QR code using the app’s QR scanner.
  • Search: Browse public studies within the app and select one to join.
  • Email Invitation: Enter your email address if you received a personal invitation.
  • Three-Word Invitation Code: Enter the three-word code provided by the researcher.
  • Direct Link: Tap a link provided by the researcher to join the study directly.

After selecting a study, you’ll enter the onboarding process:

  1. Review the study description to understand the study’s purpose and requirements.
  2. Provide informed consent by agreeing to the study’s terms.
  3. Enable required permissions (e.g., notifications, accelerometer) as prompted. For example, if the study collects motion data during surveys, you’ll need to allow access to the accelerometer.

Note: You can review the informed consent and permissions at any time in the study details section.

Screenshot of the SMAAT app study joining screen, showing options to enter a study code, scan a QR code, search for public studies, or use an invitation link.
The study joining screen in the SMAAT app, offering multiple ways to join a research study.

Navigating the SMAAT App

The SMAAT app is organized into three main tabs: Overview, Surveys, and More. Here’s how to use each:

  • Overview Tab

    The Overview tab is your home screen after joining a study. It displays:

    • Study Description: Key details about the study.
    • Study Length: Duration of the study.
    • Participant Code: Your unique identifier.
    • Study Details: Information about responsible researchers, start/end dates, and the informed consent form.
    • Permissions: Links to manage study permissions.
    • Leave Study: Option to exit the study.
    Screenshot of the SMAAT app Overview tab, showing study description, participant code, study length, and links to study details and permissions.
    The Overview tab in the SMAAT app, displaying key study information and options.

  • Surveys Tab

    The Surveys tab lists all active surveys. You’ll receive notifications when new surveys are available, which you can open by tapping the notification. Alternatively:

    • Browse surveys organized by day using the arrows at the top.
    • Tap the date to open a date picker and select a specific day.
    • View your survey responses (unless encrypted by the study author).
    Screenshot of the SMAAT app Surveys tab, showing a list of active surveys organized by day with navigation arrows and a date picker.
    The Surveys tab in the SMAAT app, listing available surveys and navigation options.

  • More Tab

    The More tab provides additional options:

    • Find a Study: Search for new studies to join.
    • Settings: Manage your account (see below).
    • About: Learn more about the app.
    • Sign Out: Log out of the app.

Managing Your Account Settings

The Settings screen in the More tab allows you to manage your account:

  • Change Username: Update your username.
  • Add Email: Link an email for password recovery.
  • Change Password: Update your password.
  • Delete Account: Permanently delete your account and data.

Warning: Deleting your account is irreversible and will remove all your data from the app. Contact the study researcher if you have questions before deleting.

Screenshot of the SMAAT app Settings screen, showing options to change username, add an email, change password, and delete account.
The Settings screen in the SMAAT app, allowing management of account details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help with the app or your study? Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions about joining studies, completing surveys, and managing your account.

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