I’ve participated in a number of Stanford research studies, and what the author is doing here is similar to part of it. The studies in which I’ve participated

I’ve participated in a number of Stanford research studies, and what the author is doing here is similar to part of it. The studies in which I’ve participated always start with a statement of what they are generally looking for in a participant. You then take a survey that confirms if you are qualified. You then given a release to sign (and keep a copy of), which states what you’ll be doing, and providing an IRB contact. You then go through the study. At the end of your participation, you are asked “What do you think the study is about?”, and then you were told the real purpose of the study. Eventually the paper(s) is/are published, with hypothesis, methodology, and results. This seems similar: You decide if you want to participate, and are participating; the only thing that’s missing is the final paper.