Virtual Lab Online Research Studies
The PIMCO Decision Research Virtual Lab at the Roman Family Center for Decision Research allows people from around the world to take paid research studies online using surveys, Zoom video calls, and other remote tools.
Holiday Closure: the Virtual Lab will be closed December 14-January 6 for holiday recess. We will re-open Tuesday, January 7. New participant accounts will be created when we re-open.
By participating in online behavioral science studies, you play a vital role in helping Chicago Booth researchers better understand judgment and decision-making.
Here's how you can take paid surveys and interactive studies from the comfort of home.
Sign Up (New Participants) Log In (Existing Participants)
Take Studies in the Virtual Lab
You'll need:
- A computer, smartphone, or tablet
- Internet connection
How to Get Started
- Sign up for an account
Within 1-2 business days, you'll receive an email with your login info and other important information. - Tell us about yourself
The first time you log into your account, you'll be prompted to take a short prescreen survey about you and your background. This helps us determine which studies you are eligible to take. Watch a video tutorial. - Sign up for paid surveys
When you log in, you'll see the studies you are eligible to take. By default, participants are eligible for surveys, one of our two types of studies. - Optional: Take the Zoom Prerequisite Study
Pays $3 / 10-15 min. / Appointments Tu-Fri, 11am-4pm CT
Many of our highest-paying studies are conducted via Zoom, a video chat platform. To become eligible for these studies, you must pass the Zoom Prerequisite Study. You'll need a computer with a working microphone, webcam, and audio. Video tutorial.
After completing these introductory tasks, you'll be able to sign up for behavioral science studies on our online research platform, Sona.
Sign Up to Participate
Compensation
Participants are compensated at a rate of $12/hour ($1 for every 5 minutes).
Effective June 14, 2024, participants will be compensated in digital gift cards via Tango Card.
After you complete a study, you will receive an email from Tango Card letting you know that value has been added to your account. Select your country and currency, then choose a digital gift card to one of many businesses, including Amazon, restaurants, retailers, movie theaters, and more, or donate your earnings to a charitable organization.
Note: different gift cards are available depending on which country you reside in.
What to Expect
Behavioral science combines psychology, economics, and other fields to better understand human decision-making. The Virtual Lab's online research studies involve simple, everyday tasks like filling out surveys, providing your opinions, or chatting with a study partner.
Interactive studies are conducted using Zoom, a video chat platform. These tend to be our highest paying studies and require appointments scheduled Tuesday-Friday. Before taking Zoom studies, you must first complete the Zoom Prerequisite Study. Tips for using Zoom.
We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and safe environment for all participants and researchers, so please review the Virtual Lab code of conduct before participating.
Questions? Email us at cdrlabs@chicagobooth.edu.
Current Participants
Log into your account to see the paid research studies you are currently eligible to complete. Don't see any studies? Check back soon! New studies & time slots are posted each weeknight by 8pm.
Surveys are available on-demand 24/7 and can be completed any time before the study's deadline.
Zoom studies are conducted Tuesday-Friday 11am-4 pm CT (UTC -5).
For Researchers
If you are a researcher interested in conducting online studies in the Virtual Lab, please visit the Researcher Portal (requires CNET ID) or contact the Virtual Lab to discuss your options. The labs team can help with IRB approval, study design, data analysis, and more.
