Answers to common questions about taking part in studies, whether for course credit or for pay. For course-specific sign-up steps, see Studies for Course Credit.
FAQs
Who Can Participate?
For course credit: USC students enrolled in BUAD 304 (organizational behavior), BUAD 307 (marketing), or BUAD 497 (strategy). Marketing has its own pool and website. BUAD 304 and 497 share a separate pool with its own requirements.
For pay: anyone can join the Compensated Pool, including USC students, LA community members, and online participants worldwide. Individual studies may have their own eligibility requirements.
All participants must be 18 or older. Some studies also require fluency in English.
Will I be Paid?
It depends on the pool. Studies for course credit earn research credit, not money, although a few offer prizes. Studies in the Compensated Pool pay starting at $5 for every 15 minutes. Each study shows its credit or payment on SONA before you sign up.
How do I sign up?
Create an account on the SONA site for your pool:
- Marketing (BUAD 307): marshall-mkt.sona-systems.com
- Organizational behavior and strategy (BUAD 304 and 497): marshall-mor.sona-systems.com
- Paid studies (Compensated Pool): marshall-research.sona-systems.com
Once you sign up, you can see available studies, what each involves, and the credit or pay offered, and choose the ones you'd like to do.
What Will I Be Asked To Do?
Usually you'll answer questions on a computer, or interact with others in a group and share your thoughts or preferences. Our studies are behavioral: they don't involve physical exertion or medical procedures, and they don't require any special knowledge. We just want your honest reactions.
Where Do These Studies Take Place?
Online, and in our lab on the University Park Campus in the Lower Level of Verna and Peter Dauterive Hall (VPD), 635 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089.
Some studies also run at pop-up locations on campus.
How Often Will I be Contacted?
When a new study opens, you'll get an email with a short description so you can decide whether to sign up. How often depends on how many studies are running, but it's typically about one email a week.
How is my privacy protected?
We value your privacy. When you sign up, SONA gives you a unique ID number, and researchers identify you only by that number. Your name isn't attached to your study responses.
What If I Change My Mind?
Participation is always voluntary. You don't have to take part in any study, and you can stop at any time. If you signed up for a session and can't attend, please cancel or let the researcher know.
For course credit: your instructor sets a deadline for choosing between studies and research papers. After that, your credit depends on completing the option you chose. If you'd rather switch to papers, talk with your instructor.
What if I miss a study?
If you can't make a session, cancel on SONA as early as you can, at least 6 hours before it starts for BUAD 307 studies. Spots are limited, and canceling early lets another student take your place.
How do I contact with questions?
- BUAD 307 credits or your MKT SONA account: mkt.sona@marshall.usc.edu
- BUAD 304 or 497 credits or your MOR SONA account: mor.sona@marshall.usc.edu
- Paid studies (Compensated Pool): compensated.research@marshall.usc.edu
- Anything else: behaviorallab@marshall.usc.edu
Course Slack channels are listed on our Contact page.
