General Psychology 101: Human Subject Research Requirement
What will I learn here?
The link to the RULES page to the right of the login box ("Please click here to read the rules for student participation") will tell you what is required of you for your course. This page will help you navigate the registration system, and to tell you WHO TO CONTACT when specific problems arise.
What are the basics I need to know?
To start, click on "Request an Account" on the right-hand side of the page. Type in something easy to remember for your USER ID. BE SURE TO type in your e-mail correctly. Double-check exactly what it is before you type it in because this is the number one reason why people have problems with the system. BE SURE TO SELECT the proper course. To do that, double-check the name of your instructor, the day/time you meet, and the room before using the drop-down menu.
The system will send login information to the e-mail address you have typed in. Before you log in for the first time, prepare to devote 20-30 minutes to a prescreen survey (see more information below). After that, you can register for the studies that interest you. The system will send you reminder messages so you won’t miss your sessions. If you know you have to miss a session, please contact the researcher to let them know as a courtesy. The system will also send you a message when you have received your RPU credits. In addition, you can keep track of your points by logging into your account at any time. Important! Do not delay signing up for experiments because they can become scarce as the semester wears on.
Specific Problems:
1. Why can't I create an account?
Because the system is temporarily turned off. It will be turned on shortly, or if you are experiencing this problem between semesters, it will be turned on once the semester has officially started.
2. I created an account but I am not receiving my messages (e.g., my login information).
First, check your spam folder in case the login instructions were read as junk. If your email is not there it is likely you typed in an incorrect email address. In this case please email the Sona administrator to correct your account
3. What is the pre-screen survey?
Before you log in for the first time, make sure you have 25-30 minutes free because (for most semesters) you'll be completing a one-time-only survey. The survey will increase the scientific value of several studies. It will also help to determine your eligibility for some studies. You will get an invitation via e-mail if you are eligible. You are under no obligation to complete any research study that you are invited to participate in. You are free to choose the projects that interest you the most. If you have questions about the prescreen survey, contact:
4. What if I mistakenly selected the wrong course when I registered, or have changed sections since I registered? How can I be sure I get my RPU points?
To switch your course registration information, send your new information (name of instructor, course, and day/time you meet) to the
5. When should I expect my RPU points?
Please give researchers at least two weeks for granting you credit. E-mail the researcher with any questions about credit. If you have a dispute with a researcher, then and only then e-mail the administrator with your 5 or 6-digit number, the name of the study, the researcher's e-mail, and the nature of the dispute. To expedite the process, forward or paste the correspondence with the researcher in your email to the administrator so that she or he can better assist you. Contact:
6. I went to the study and nobody was there. Who should I contact?
The Researcher. She or he should be willing to give you at least partial credit, if not full credit if you, in fact, showed up the right time and place.
7. The Website is acting weird. What should I do?
Website issues, such as getting credit for a study you did not do, or seeing you had credit for a study at one time, and then the points were taken away, or your 5-digit code is suddenly different are issues that can stem from a botched system update by the company who makes the software. When the website is acting strangely, contact the