NARRATOR：

Listen to a conversation between a student and his sociology professor.

FEMALE PROFESSOR：

Well, I’m glad you redid your outline.

Um, I’ve made a few comments, but nothing you have to act on.

It’s in good enough shape for you to start writing your paper.

MALE STUDENT：

Thanks. At first I was afraid all that prep work would be a waste of time.

FEMALE PROFESSOR：

Well, especially with a challenging topic like yours— factors leading to the emergence of sociology as an academic discipline.

There’s just so much history to consider, you could get lost without a solid outline.

Uh, so, did you have a question?

MALE STUDENT：

Yeah, it’s about… You mentioned needing volunteers for a research study?

FEMALE PROFESSOR：

Yep. It’s not my study, it’s my colleague’s in the marketing department.

She needs people to watch various new TV programs that haven’t been broadcast yet.

Then indicate on a survey whether they liked it, why, if they’d watch another episode…

It’d be kind of fun, plus participants get a $50 gift certificate…

MALE STUDENT：

Oh, well I like the sound of that!

But—so they’re trying to predict if these shows are gonna succeed or fail, right? Based on students’opinions?

Why would they care what we think?

FEMALE PROFESSOR：

Hey, don’t sell yourself short— people your age are a very attractive market for advertisers who promote their products on television.

The study’s sponsored by a TV network.

If enough students don’t like a show, the network may actually reconsider putting it on the air.

MALE STUDENT：

OK, well, how do I sign up?

You just add your name and phone number to this list and check a time slot.

Although it looks like the only times left are next Monday morning and Thursday evening…

Oh, well…

I have marketing and economics Monday mornings, and Thursday…

Oh, you’re taking a marketing class?

Who’s teaching it?

It’s, uh, Professor Larkin, intro to marketing.

He hasn’t mentioned the study, though.

Oh. Well…the marketing department’s pretty big.

I happen to be friends with the woman who’s doing the TV study.

OK, well, we don’t want you missing class… how’s Thursday?

Oh, I work from five till nine that night.

Hmm. No flexibility with your schedule?

Where do you work?

At Fox’s Diner.

I’m a server.

Oh, I love Fox’s. I eat there every week.

Maybe you could switch shifts with someone.

I’m still in training, and the only night my trainer works is Thursday.

Look, I know the owners there really well.

Why don’t you let me give them a call and explain the situation?

OK. It’d be cool to be part of a real research study.

And the gift certificate wouldn’t hurt, either!