Participants were randomly assigned via computerized algorithm
to one of eight experimental conditions formed by the
factorial combination of the three manipulated variables. The
experimental variations were embedded in an advertisement that
was shown during an antibullying video that was presented via
computer. In administering the project, we set up 28 laptop computers
in areas designated by each school. On entering the testing
context, students were seated individually at computer stations and
presented with assent forms, which also were read aloud. All
eligible students gave their assent to participate. Participants at
their computers then donned earphones and viewed a series of
sociodemographic, attitudinal, normative, and substance use questions,
which they answered via mouse click. To avoid problems of
reading comprehension, questions and possible answers were narrated
via earphones.
After the pretest, participants were informed that they would be
seeing a short video about bullying. The video, written and developed
by the investigators, illustrated and discussed different types
of bullying, how students could avoid being bullied, and how they
could help victims of bullying. The actors in the video were the
same ages as the participants.