OFFICIAL18 What is the conversation mainly about?

[00:00.00]Narrator: Listen to a conversation between a student and his sociology professor.[00:05.19]Female Professor: Well, I'm glad you redid your outline. [00:08.63]Um, I've made a few comments, but nothing you have to act on. [00:12.12]It’s in good enough shape for you to start writing your paper.[00:14.58]Male Student: Thanks. At first I was afraid all that prep work would be a waste of time.[00:18.49]Female Professor: Well, especially with a challenging topic like yours—factors leading to the emergence of sociology as an academic discipline. [00:25.57]There's just so much history to consider, you could get lost without a solid outline. [00:30.07]Uh, so, did you have a question?[00:32.02]Male Student: Yeah, it's about…You mentioned needing volunteers for a research study?[00:36.68]Female Professor: Yep. It's not my study, [00:38.15]it's my colleague's in the marketing department. [00:40.31]She needs people to watch various new TV programs that haven’t been broadcast yet. Then indicate on a survey whether they liked it, why, if they’d watch another episode…[00:49.50]It’d be kinda fun, plus participants get a $50 gift certificate…
[00:53.71]Male Student: Oh, well I like the sound of that! [00:55.96]But—so they're trying to predict if these shows are gonna succeed or fail, right? Based on students’opinions? [01:03.06]Why would they care what we think?[01:05.07]Female Professor: Hey, don't sell yourself short—[01:06.74]people your age are a very attractive market for advertisers who promote their products on television. [01:11.86]The study’s sponsored by a TV network. [01:14.27]If enough students don’t like a show, the network may actually reconsider putting it on the air.[01:19.27]Male Student: OK, well, how do I sign up?[01:21.53]Female Professor: You just add your name and phone number to this list and check a time slot. Although it looks like the only times left are next Monday morning and Thursday evening…
[01:30.10]Male Student: Oh, well…I have marketing and economics Monday mornings, and Thursday…[01:35.06]Female Professor: Oh, you’re taking a marketing class? [01:37.25]Who's teaching it?[01:38.15]Male Student: It’s, uh, Professor Larkin, intro to marketing. [01:41.48]He hasn’t mentioned the study, though.
[01:43.68]Female Professor:  Oh. Well…the marketing department's pretty big. [01:46.76]I happen to be friends with the woman who’s doing the TV study. [01:50.24]OK, well, we don't want you missing class…[01:53.01]how’s Thursday?
[01:54.17]Male Student: Oh, I work from five till nine that night.[01:57.19]Female Professor: Hmm. No flexibility with your schedule? [02:00.06]Where do you work?[02:01.00]Male Student: At Fox’s Diner. I’m a server.
[02:03.12]Female Professor: Oh, I love Fox's. [02:05.21]I eat there every week. [02:06.51]Maybe you could switch shifts with someone.
[02:08.60]Male Student: I’m still in training, [02:09.91]and the only night my trainer works is Thursday.[02:12.21]Female Professor: Look, I know the owners there really well. [02:15.03]Why don't you let me give them a call and explain the situation?[02:18.78]Male Student: OK. It’d be cool to be part of a real research study. [02:22.51]And the gift certificate wouldn't hurt, either!