Apply for support to conduct an online experiment through Prolific.co, for which HUME Lab will recruit participants and collect data.

The aim of this initiative is to support high-quality student experimental research by providing up to three successful projects with funding for participant rewards and methodological advice.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be master's or doctoral students enrolled at the Faculty of Arts.
• Projects must be experimental (i.e., involve clear manipulation of variables).
• Shortlisted projects must apply for and obtain approval from the university's Research Ethics Committee.

Support provided

• Recruitment of participants and their remuneration on the Prolific.co platform will be covered by the HUME Lab.
• HUME Lab staff will assist with the technical preparation of the study and the management of participants on the Prolific platform.

Research proposal

Your proposal should be submitted using this form. The required information includes:

• Project title
• Brief summary of the project (for public communication, if selected) (max. 100 words)
• Research question (max. 150 words)
• Hypotheses (max. 150 words)
• Experimental design (max. 200 words)
• Measures and materials (max. 150 words)
• Power analysis or other justification for sample size (max. 150 words)
• Ethical considerations (max. 150 words)
• Estimated study duration per participant
• Planned number of participants
• Planned reward per hour (GBP)
• Target sample characteristics (if applicable)

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be evaluated by the HUME Lab Research Board based on:

• The clarity and coherence of the research question and hypotheses.
• The feasibility of the experimental design.
• The justification for the sample size and recruitment plan.
• The originality and scientific merit of the project.

The three best proposals will be invited to submit an application for ethical approval. Upon approval, HUME Lab will arrange for data collection via Prolific.

About Prolific.co

Prolific is an online participant recruitment platform widely used in academic research.

Key points:

• Participants are fairly compensated, with a minimum recommended rate of £6.00–7.50 per hour.
• Study cost = (number of participants × study length × hourly rate) + Prolific service fee (~33%).
• Prolific allows targeting based on demographics, language, and other criteria.

Further information: https://www.prolific.co/researcher