The Financial Distress Research Project hit a milestone this week. Our hardworking staff just randomized case number 100! And this is just the beginning. The study will continue over the next two years to randomize cases and will eventually have over one thousand study participants, generating one of the richest data sets ever used to evaluate what works and what doesn’t for people in financial distress.
While the Lab is known for its work with numbers and data, our FDRP staff also interact directly on a daily basis with individuals participating in the study. Each of those 100 is someone who will receive assistance with their debt collection case in the form of either an attorney or self-help materials. Dealing with debt in the courts is a complicated challenge involving a maze of choices. (If you’re looking for more reading on the topic, check out this recent piece in The Atlantic about the difficulties people face when trying to declare bankruptcy in Tennessee.)
Congratulations! There is so much dedication and hard work behind this project!
Keep up the great work!