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Paid Pool Participants
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of research are you doing? What are these studies about?
There are many different kinds of research being done, on such topics as aggression, social behavior, competitiveness, dreaming, color perception, spatial relations, learning and memory. The ways in which you participate in studies may differ. In some you may be asked to read text and later answer questions; to play a game or do role playing; to rate the similarity between different objects; to respond to certain things while you response time is measured; or you may be asked to fill out a survey. In Sona Systems each study should have a brief description posted along with contact information of the researchers if you have any questions. (back to top)
2. Do I have to be a US citizen to participate in paid research?
You can participate in research regardless of your status; however, cash payments can only be made to U.S. citizens, legal resident aliens, and those who have a work eligible visa. For tax purposes non-resident aliens can be compensated with gift cards but not cash. To be given compensation you must provide some information about yourself including your full name, address, and social security number. This information is used for tax purposes only and is kept in a secure location by each researcher. (back to top)
3. Is there an age limit?
You must be at least 18 years old to participate. (back to top)
4. How do I sign up?
Go to http://stanfordpsychpaid.sona-systems.com/ and click “Request an account here.” Fill in your first and last name, the log in name you want to use, and your email address. Then click “Request Account.” Your log in information will be emailed to you. The first time you log in you will be asked to fill out a brief demographic survey. It takes about 2 minutes and the information is used by researchers to find people who are good matches for their study. (back to top)
5. Once I sign up on Sona, how do I sign up for studies?
At the top of the page click “Studies” then select the day you want to participate from the drop down menus. When you see a study you are interested in click on the blue text to read more information. Click “View timeslots for this study.” Then click “Sign Up” next to the time you want to participate. (back to top)
6. What should I expect when I participate in a study?
Most of the studies are held in Jordan Hall on the Stanford campus. You will enter the building and go to the room number listed in Sona Systems. Some researchers will request that you wait for them by the front door on the first floor. When the study begins you should be given a consent form or an information sheet. This will tell you more about the study. You can ask questions. You may be asked to sign the consent form. The researcher should begin the study after your questions have been answered. After the study is over the researcher should tell you more about the study. This is often called a “debriefing.” When the researchers offers you your payment you will be asked to provide some information like your name, address, or social security number. This information is kept completely confidential and is used for tax purposes by the university. (back to top)
7. How do I change my password?
Click on “My Profile” In the applicable fields enter your old password and your new password. Then click “Update.” (back to top)
8. Will new/more experiments be posted?
Yes. New timeslots and studies are added throughout the year. (back to top)
9. What happens if I don’t show up to a study I have signed up for?
The researcher makes a note of it in the on-line database. If you don’t show up 3 times without notifying the researchers your log in information may be blocked. (back to top)
10. What if I don’t feel comfortable in an experiment?
Participation is voluntary and you can stop at any time. You don’t have to explain why you are uncomfortable or why you want to stop. You may want to provide this information to help the researcher refine their study. If you have a problem please notify the human subjects coordinator at hscoordinator@lists.stanford.edu. (back to top)
11. What is an authorization code?
Some studies are only open by invitation from the researcher. The researcher will email potential participants a password or “authorization code.” You use this to sign up for the study. (back to top)
12. I forgot my password! What do I do?
Send an email to hscoordinator@lists.stanford.edu explaining that you lost your password and include your first and last name. Your log in information will be emailed to you.(back to top)
13. I have a question that wasn't included here. Who do I contact?
Please contact the Human Subjects Coordinator at hscoordinator@lists.stanford.edu or call at (650) 736-9993. (back to top)
14. What are my rights and responsibilites as a research participant?
These are available on the web at http://www-psych.stanford.edu/pprights.html
15. Where are the studies located?
Study locations will be listed in Sona Systems. Most studies are in Jordan Hall, also known as building 420, on the Stanford campus. The building is located in the main quad. Locations are usually listed by building and room number. For example, the location may read 420-421 meaning Jordan Hall room 421. |
