Student FAQ

When does the Research Participation Pool open and close?

The pool opens on the first day of classes after the Add/Drop Deadline and closes on the last day of classes (see the University's academic calendar for these dates). Thus, the last day to do a study to count for a given semester is the last day of classes of that semester.

What do I do if I have a problem?

Please contact me at sfraundo@pitt.edu, and I will do my best to help you work it out.

What if I am not yet 18?

Nobody under the age of 18 can participate in research, unless the study has been specifically approved to include people under age 18. Please check the eligibility criteria for the study you want to participate in.

If there are no suitable studies available, you can write the papers instead.

If you turn 18 during the semester, you are welcome to participate in research studies once you turn 18.

When will I see my credit in the system?

You should be credited immediately after you complete a study. But, sometimes this is not possible. If you don't see your credits appear within 24 hours of participation, please email the researcher to ask them to post your credit. If they do not do so within 48 hours of your participation, please email sfraundo@pitt.edu.

What if I want to do a study but don't meet the eligibility criteria?

You should not sign up for such a study. First, if you don't meet the criteria as stated, you will be dismissed from the study without earning credit, so it will be a waste of your time and the experimenter's time. Also, if you do somehow "fool" the experimenter, you can seriously compromise the science that is being done, and the conclusions we can draw from it. Please do not sign up for studies unless you meet the criteria.

There are never any studies posted—what should I do?

It can be very frustrating when you have trouble completing your requirement because there are no studies posted. Please be assured that I try my best to get enough studies to be run so that every student can complete the requirement during the semester. But, there are many factors that determine when studies are available and what the criteria are. So, please be patient--keep checking the system, and if you don't find appropriate studies when you want them, you can choose the paper option instead.