Research Assistant, U.S. – Measuring the Gender Discomfort Gap

Project Title: Measuring the Gender Discomfort Gap

Principal Investigators:

Dr. Salma Mousa, Assistant Professor, Political Science, Yale University
Dr. Saad Gulzar, Assistant Professor, Political Science, Stanford University

Project Description:

Social trust is a strong correlate of social, economic, and political development, yet we know little about how to measure it in the real world – and how it varies by gender. This project aims to assemble evidence on everyday interactions that require social trust in general, and on how women may experience these interactions differently due to safety concerns and gender-regressive social norms. We implement a crosscountry RCT that measures real-world trusting behaviors – from helping a stranger with directions, to lending a stranger one’s mobile phone. These baseline statistics are a first attempt at constructing a cross-comparable measure of social trust – on average and broken down by gender – around the world. Pilot data show that women are reluctant to trust even other women – pointing to norms around being “invisible” in public spaces” – but that the trust deficit widens dramatically when women are approached by male strangers, suggesting that the threat of violence may determine trust outcomes.

The first component of this study estimates the causal effects of everyday contact with individuals from different genders. We randomly assign female pedestrians in New York City to be approached by either a male or a female research assistant (RA). The RA asks the pedestrian for simple directions, to borrow a cell phone, or simply drops a bag of groceries near the pedestrian. A nearby RA then documents the pedestrian’s comfort level via outcomes like whether the pedestrian acknowledged the RA, stopped to engage or walked away, and attempted to give directions or not. We expect to reach sample size of n = 2000 interactions in the city. We then flip the experiment and randomly assign a female vs. male RA to approach male pedestrians, thus allowing us to estimate men’s discomfort around women.

Our goal is to run a field experiment in several countries across the world to document the prevalence of the broader phenomenon of (dis)comfort with inter-gender interactions. We call the gap between rates of responding to different-gender relative to same-gender RAs the “Inter-gender Discomfort Index.”

Responsibilities:

We are looking for Research Assistants who are interested in economics/policy research, are willing to travel to New York City to carry out the research activities (train transportation will be covered), and can commit a minimum of 25 hours/week for 4-5 weeks.

The responsibility of the RA will include but not be limited to:

Preparing for experiments such as scouting locations, preparing the props (grocery bags, etc.), and
other miscellaneous tasks in the field that facilitate the smooth conduct of the experiment
Carrying out the experiments (asking strangers for directions, dropping groceries, or asking to
borrow a mobile phone) in line with the experimental protocol
Recording behavioral outcomes using an online survey tool (Kobo Toolbox or SurveyCTO) –
training on the use of these tools can be provided if the RA is not familiar with them
Presenting observed in-field experiment outcomes and observations to the project PIs
Ensuring that quality standards are met (that experimental and ethical protocols are followed)
Reporting any problems with the experiment to the PIs and brainstorming solutions

Basic Qualifications:

Background in economics, public policy, or a related field
Previous research experience (internships are recognized as work experience)
Excellent analytical, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
Should be between 18-35 years old, based in New Haven or New York City, and fluent in English

Required Skills:

Ability to work independently
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Comfortable interacting with strangers (there will always be another RA nearby for support if needed)
Excellent understanding of American culture and social norms

How to Apply:

Please email a single PDF containing your CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts to

adillon@stanford.edu with “Last name, First name – U.S. RA” as the subject line.