Our studies
Take part in studies
Register now to join our participant database. Taking part in social science studies is a great way to be rewarded with money
and help science at the same time. No specialist skills are needed.
Be rewarded for contributing to scientific discovery
We need you. If you can spare 30 minutes to 2 hours to be part of science
at our Colchester Campus, we'll reward you with £5 - £50 per study for
taking part.
What studies involve
A social science study is a tool for understanding human attitudes,
perceptions and behaviour, among other things.
In a typical study, you may make decisions or answer questions on a
computer. You may either be on your own, or interacting via a computer with
other participants. Your experience will vary from one study to
another.
We'll come to you
We also conduct studies using
ESSEXLab Mobile, using surveys on iPads. These studies can be
conducted anywhere, from classrooms to offices, in your home or even on the
street. Once you register for
our participant database, you'll be notified of studies coming up
soon near you.
Influence policies that affect lives
Social science research is vital for policy makers. As a
participant at ESSEXLab, you'll help influence policies that will affect the
lives of you and others. Our studies have:
- had a major impact in economics, deepening understanding of social
preferences and market behaviours
- helped to understand the processes behind charitable giving and
donation
- shed light on the dietary and nutrition choices of families.
A growing number of sociologists, anthropologists, economists,
psychologists and political scientists conduct research ranging
from learning how people make decisions and interact to how different social
institutions and organisations might work.
With the introduction of the
Behavioural Insights Team at the Cabinet Office, social science
research is of increasing importance to policy makers.
Understanding social processes helps to design policies to be better and
more effective in their service of the public.
What our participants say
"It’s interesting how it makes you think about your actions and
values afterwards."
"I like the idea of being a part of, and helping social
science."
"It’s a great experience to be a part of these
experiments, especially when you know and can see
how they are conducted and lead to answers about
many different questions."
Register now
We are striving to improve the world. You can help too by
registering for our participant database to take part in our
studies.