Text Messaging Policies

For Researchers

Phone Number Options

When setting up SMS messaging for your study, you have two options:

Custom Phone Number: We can procure a dedicated phone number exclusively for your study. This provides a unique identity for your research communications.
Platform Number: You may use our shared platform number, which is already verified and ready for immediate use.

Opt-In Requirements

Regardless of which phone number option you choose, your study must ensure that participants explicitly opt-in to receive text messages. This is a legal requirement under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

Consent must be obtained before any messages are sent.
Opt-in language should be clear and separate from other agreements—do not bury consent in your Terms of Service or Privacy Policy.
The opt-in should clearly identify who will be sending the messages (your study or institution name).
Document how and when consent was obtained for each participant.

Opt-Out Requirements

You must provide participants with a clear and easy way to stop receiving messages at any time.

Inform participants they can reply STOP to opt out of messages.
Include opt-out instructions in your consent materials and periodically in messages.
Honor all opt-out requests immediately.

For Study Participants

If you are receiving text messages from a research study using our platform number, the following policies apply to you.

Program Information

Pulsar (operated by Purple Workshops, LLC) provides a text messaging platform that enables research institutions to communicate with study participants. Messages may include study reminders, survey links, check-ins, and other research-related communications.

Your Consent

By providing your phone number and agreeing to participate in a research study that uses our platform, you consent to receive text messages related to that study. Your consent is specific to the study you enrolled in and is not shared with other organizations.

Before your study begins, you will receive a confirmation message asking you to confirm your opt-in to text messages. Here is an example of what this message may look like:

[Study Name]: You have been enrolled to receive text messages for this research study. Reply YES to confirm. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help.

You must reply YES (or follow the instructions provided) to confirm your participation before any study-related messages will be sent.

Message Frequency

Message frequency varies by study. You may receive anywhere from a few messages per week to several messages per day, depending on your study's design. Your research team will inform you of the expected frequency when you enroll.

How to Opt Out

You can stop receiving text messages at any time.

Reply STOP to any message to unsubscribe.

After you send STOP, you will receive a confirmation message and no further messages will be sent. Please note that opting out of text messages may affect your participation in the research study; contact your research team if you have questions.

How to Get Help

Reply HELP to any message for assistance.

You will receive information about the messaging service and how to contact support.

Message and Data Rates

Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan. Check with your carrier if you have questions about your messaging costs.

Contact Us

If you have questions about our text messaging service or need assistance, you can reach us at:

Email: support@softwareforresearch.com

Privacy

We do not sell or share your phone number with anyone. Your information is used solely for research communication purposes. For questions about how your data is handled within a specific study, please contact your research team directly.