Abstract
Gordon, Tepas, Stock, and Walsh (1979) describe the manner in which shiftworkers were selected as research subjects through the cooperation of labor union organizations. In this paper, we describe the methods used to select and orient the workers to serve in a laboratory study involving measurement of the psychophysiological correlates of sleep. Procedures used for field interviews with the same subjects are also described. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a multimethod (laboratory and field interview) approach to the study of shiftwork effects are detailed.
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This research was supported by Grant 5 RO1 OH 00395 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to Donald I. Tepas and by Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 5 F32 MH 05690 from the National Institute of Mental Health to Gloria C. Gordon. The work-sleep study staff greatly appreciate the cooperation of the participating unions and union members from the Saint Louis metropolitan area. The work-sleep study staff thank Judith McGee and John Napoli for conducting the psychological assessments. Inquiries regarding the field interview aspects of this research should be addressed to Gloria C. Gordon, Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, 221 North Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, Missouri 63103.
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Walsh, J.K., Gordon, G.C., Maltese, J.W. et al. Laboratory and field interview methods for the study of shiftworkers. Behavior Research Methods & Instrumentation 11, 18–23 (1979). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03205425
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03205425