Lynne:

If you're really worried that this person is not just a friendly,
overenthusiastic and inexperienced student, the best way to check them out
is to ask who is supervising them at their university and even go so far as
to ask if they are following the rules of the university's human subjects
committee or equivalent.  Most universities are requiring filed paperwork
including permission slips from every human being involved in any study
affiliated with the university.  The supervisor's name is supposed to be on
the form.

At the very least the human subjects committee will drain off some of the
excess energy with which they are badgering you.  As I had to turn in about
three pounds of red tape to get my forms approved for my work, I gurantee
this will keep them busy.  It may even keep the committee from spending time
coming up with new forms and requirements for honest researchers, so
everyone will get a favor.

I received an "annonymous survey" regarding my personal experiences in
relationships from a student in the psych department about a week before
finals. The week after I received a follow up reminder that I had not turned
in the survey, which made me not want to do it at all.  It makes you wonder,
I wanted to be of use, but I got the feeling it wasn't so annonymous after
all and it seemed really inconsiderate to expect people to jump at that time
of year.  Perhaps you are suspicious because of the feeling you are getting
from the pressure the student is putting on you.  It doesn't necessarily
mean they intend harm or are doing something wrong, but it is understandable
that you don't want to respond.

I prefer to think the best of people and be prepared for the worst.  Gee
whiz,  I've never before thought of using red tape as a defensive mechanism.
I'll have to think about developing this into a new martial art for the
millenium.  Gives me the chills just thinking about it.    Maybe this is
what corporate types and officials do all day already (eg: the human
subjects committee).  I can't quite figure out what to call it, Jeet kune
red tape-do doesn't sound smooth though I do like form form!


                                                Miriam