Option 1: Research Participation

One way to satisfy the research requirement is to be a participant in two units worth of psychological research. Participation will give you an inside view of how research is conducted as well as assisting faculty and other students who are conducting research. Most students report that they enjoy the experience.

Some experiments are worth one unit and some are worth two units. Most studies are worth one unit. How much a study is worth will be clearly indicated on the web-based signup system. A one-unit study will last no more than 45 minutes. Therefore, your overall time commitment for two units is no more than 90 minutes (1.5 hours).

What Steps Do You Need to Take to Participate?

• In the third week of the course, you will receive an email describing how to log into the web-based sign-up system at: http://uwsp.sona-systems.com. Studies will become available about the fifth week of the semester.
• On the system, read about about studies that are available and sign-up for a study. After you sign up, you will receive an email confirming your appointment.
• You do not need to sign up for both studies right away. You may sign up for studies at different points in the semester.

• If you find that you cannot make your appointment, you must cancel your appointment using the same web site (http://uwsp.sona-systems.com.) After you cancel, you will receive an email confirming cancellation.
• NO excuses for absences or tardiness will be accepted. If you fail to show up and have not cancelled, you will now be required to complete 3 units of research. You may instead write the journal article summary (Option 2).

• If you show up for a study and the researcher is not there on time, please contact the HSP coordinator immediately.
• Though it is not necessary, you may have the researcher sign a receipt if you wish (Download the Receipt here!). If you choose to get a receipt, it can be used to demonstrate that you participated if there is a problem later on.
• The experimenter will record your attendance on the web-based sign-up system. After a week or so, you will receive an email confirming that your attendance has been registered. Thus, you do not need to hand in a receipt or contact your instructor.

What is the Timeline for the Participation Option?

Most importantly, the deadline for participation is the last day of classes for the semester. No experiments will be posted for finals week or later! The following timeline is offered so that you know what to expect throughout the semester:

• Week 1: You received a copy of these Research Requirement guidelines.
• Week 3: You will receive an email with your logon information for study sign-ups.
• Weeks 4 - 5: Studies will start becoming available for sign-up and participation.
• Week 13: You will receive a reminder email about the Research Requirement.
• Week 15: The last studies of the semester will take place.
• Finals Week: All participation records will be updated. The information will be passed along to your instructor before your final exam.

Important Note: We cannot guarantee the availability of psychology studies at all points in the semester. They are posted throughout the semester on an irregular basis.