In social science research, particularly an experimental study such as Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), the problem of partial compliance or even non-compliance can change the interpretation of the results. To assess the Average Treatment Effect of a treatment / intervention, RCT would assign individuals (or other units of analysis) into treatment and control groups. Full compliance means that all those assigned the treatment take it up, and all those assigned to control do not take up the treatment. And yet, full compliance is rare in research context. When full compliance is not the case, we can only assess Intent To Treat effect, instead of Average Treatment Effect. The problem of compliance is also common in daily life, that I recently experienced.
One of the slides on RCT from my Applied Econometrics course in the Fall 2021.
I have been taking THE LAST course this Spring 2023 semester in which I survived the five consecutive weekly deadlines every Monday night throughout February and early March. It is a writing class — no readings assigned, but we had to turn in our writing on specific component of a prospectus aka proposal (I have no idea why we call it “prospectus”) almost on a weekly basis which, by the 8th session, would constitute a full draft of 25-page double spaced prospectus. Each week, we have to read each other’s work and provide written comments before the class, and to have a peer group discussion based on that during the class. That has been one of the instructions and requirements of the course.
Last Friday, it was my turn to have my full draft circulated for peer feedback. To my surprise, prior the class, there were only 4 out of 7 students in my group who read and provided written feedback to me. What the heck? Unsurprisingly, the group discussion was not very meaningful: only the Teaching Assistant and one student who provided verbal feedback to me, while other 6 students seemed checked out. There was a compliance problem here.
I mean, I get it people are busy, but so am I! Everyone is busy, but it is about having integrity and showing up to your commitment. I was so annoyed that I thought of doing the same in the future weeks by passing on reading and providing written comments to the work of students who did not read and comment on mine. My time is also important!
I have an internal conflict in me.
Me: In the world of doctoral students where we all suffer time poverty, why would I give my time to those who did not bother giving theirs to me? Should I also pass on reading and giving feedback to their work in the coming weeks? Can I tolerate such “free-riders” in this case?
Also me: But if I do the same thing, wouldn’t that make me look small? Wouldn’t that make me similar like them: threatening my integrity and failing to show up to my commitment?
Again me: If I do to others based on what they did to me, what does that tell about my Catholic faith and my values? If I am a follower of Jesus Christ, shouldn’t I heed His words?
"For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:32-33,36
So I tested my thinking and sharing it with some fellow PhD friends, being open to both suggestion and correction. Here is a list of their saying.
“No (you can’t do the same by not reading their full draft proposals), because reading others will help you regardless. That said, annoying for sure.” JB
“I would still read the work of other students in that class. If there’s a compliance problem, I will not perpetuate the problem myself.” AB
“Are you expected to deliver comments to everyone in your group? If you’re expected to do so, I, personally, would do so. If other people don’t want to pull their weight, that’s on them.” MC
“It’s been one of the most surprising parts of being back in school as an adult – I really thought people would be more responsible with group projects / group feedback requirements.” KD
I thank God I am surrounded by people of good sense and good will. I stand corrected. Fine, I am convinced to still do what I am expected to do irrespective of what others did or did not do to me. Yet, in the name of justice and accountability, I would still highlight this compliance problem in the course evaluation survey at the end of this semester. We all need grievance mechanism, don’t we?
In my brokenness and lowliness as a human, I could be so calculating and feeling entitled that I often forget of how I too have received lots of blessings FOR FREE. Indeed, I am humbled by the generosity shown by a few trusted people outside my school — including DH my former supervisor at DFAT in Australia — who made time to thoroughly read my full draft, proofread (mind you, English is not my first language) and provide thoughtful comments, out of freedom. I am also indebted to some people outside my PhD Committee for their kindness to make time for me to pick their brains via Zoom calls or coffee chats as I sort out my research ideas, out of genuine interest. All is done without me giving them anything back!
Today, April 16, 2023 is a Divine Mercy Sunday. On a deeper level, this particular experience truly tested my character and trained my capacity to love and be merciful. I cannot do it on my own. If I can show mercy, it is from God. It will be God’s mercy channelled through me.
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