Psychology Labs and Resources
Department of Psychology
Take Part in Psychology Research
Why do we have a Participant Pool?
Many areas of research in the Psychology Department rely on collecting data from human participants. Often these experiments are computer-based, and are run in labs based in the Hope Park Campus. We also run experiments online, and use questionnaires to gather data.
The Participant Pool plays a key role in the Department of Psychology's educational and research strategy. Its objectives can be summarised in three ways:
- Enrich the educational experience for undergraduate students by providing opportunities to engage in the research process
- Improve public understanding and support for psychological research
- Support the research goals of the Department of Psychology
Educational value of research participation
In today's competitive job market, possessing strong research skills distinguishes university graduates. By actively participating in research, students acquire knowledge, comprehension, and values that form the foundation of these skills. This experience aims to contribute to fulfilling the undergraduate learning outcomes of the psychology program, encompassing a broad and in-depth understanding of the discipline and proficiency in research methods.
How to take part as a current student
Earning course credits
At Level C and I undergraduate students are required to collect 25 course credits by actively participating in psychological research. All research is scrutinised by the Ethics Committee prior to being advertised on the Department of Psychology participant pool. Risk will have been assessed and mitigated for. Each credit is worth 15 minutes of your time, which equates to around six and a half hours particpation over each academic year. Some studies will be 1 or 2 credits, and some will be worth a lot more as they will require much longer participation durations, or participating over a number of days/weeks
Your contact for any enquiries from students in Level C is Dr Jamie Lingwood (lingwoj@hope.ac.uk)
Accessing available studies
The Participant Pool can be accessed via https://liverpoolhope.sona-systems.com/ Alternatively, you can find it through the mobile app - simply search 'sona mobile' in the App store or Google Play Store.
You will be asked for a URL, which is the same as the above, and will be emailed your password so that you can log in by using your University username when you sign up.
If you fail to turn up to a study without informing the researcher, you will incur a penalty equal to the number of credits of the study. If the study is worth 3 credits for example, you will lose 3 credits. It is important that you turn up to studies or cancel 24 hours in advance.
Students with 5 no shows will be contacted by their tutor.
How to take part as a member of the public
If you would like to take part in our exciting range of research projects, then you can find out about upcoming studies and how to become a participant by signing up to the MAILING LIST
As researchers we hold ourselves up to the highest ethical standards and as such we adhere to the ethical guidelines of Liverpool Hope University and The British Psychological Society. Informed consent will be obtained before the start of each experiment and the contact details of the researcher will be available.
Types of studies
- Online questionnaires: Researchers conduct a wide range of studies which can be accessed via links on any device
- Online experiments: We also run some experimental research studies online. No specialist software is necessary, but these studies typically run on Windows/Mac and not on tablets or smart phones
- Face-to-Face Research: Studies also take place in person in our lab facilities, located in Hope Park Campus, Liverpool
How to take part as a school or organisation
If you are keen to sign up your school or organisation to take part in our exciting research projects, then you can sign up to the ORG MAILING LIST