Paid Participants Studies List

The Paid Participant Studies List is hosted on the Psychology Graduate Student Council website. While most studies here are conducted in the Psychology Department, other departments recruiting participants are welcome to advertise. Anyone is welcome to sign up for the mailing list.

Join the Mailing List
Advertise on the List


Current Studies

We welcome both the general public and students, and please check the eligibility requirements for each study.

Last updated: September 7, 2023


Simulated Online Interview (online)

Researcher: Bita Zareian (grad student), Dr. Frances Chen (PI)

Description: This study examines examining the effects of hormones – including the effects of CURRENT or PAST hormonal contraceptive use – on our responses during social situations like mock job interviews. Participants will first be asked to complete a 5-10 minute survey that will assess their eligibility. If deemed eligible, participants will be invited to a Zoom session during which they will complete a mock job interview, answer some questionnaires, and provide saliva samples (collection tubes will be sent and returned via mail).

Eligibility: Anyone between the ages of 19-27 may be eligible for this study.

Location: Online (Zoom)

Contact Information: Interested individuals should first complete the brief eligibility survey here: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5AYS7XIvtR3aX0G. Any questions can be directed to socialhealthlab@psych.ubc.ca.

Reimbursement/Time: The study will take approximately 3 hours to complete, and you will be reimbursed $30 CAD for your time.

Study End Date: Ongoing


Clairvoyant – Psilocybin Assisted Psychotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder (In-person)

Study Title: Clairvoyant – Psilocybin Assisted Psychotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder (In-person)

Researcher: Dr. Christian Schutz (Principal Investigator); Zachary Allan (Study Coordinator)
DescriptionThis phase 2 clinical trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in adults with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) through analysis of alcohol consumption and symptom severity over 13 visits across approximately 29 weeks. 

Eligibility: Participants must meet the following criteria in order to participate. Additional criteria may apply.

  • Individuals between 19 and 70 years of age.
  • Generally healthy with no unstable health conditions. 
  • Have alcohol dependence and/or use alcohol almost daily and in large amounts.

Location: UBC Hospital – Detwiller Pavilion (2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC)

Contact information: Please email the research team at brainlab.clairvoyant@ubc.ca. A researcher will contact you to provide additional information about the study and a link to the eligibility questionnaire. 
Reimbursement/time: The study will take approximately 29 weeks. Each participant will dedicate approximately 43 hours to the study. Remuneration includes $50 for each visit and $100 for each dosing visit. 

Study end date: March, 31st, 2024


The vocational experience of autistic adults: A self-deterministic perspective (Online Study)

Researcher: Talia Vacca, Dr. Charles Chen (PI) 

Description: We are conducting a research study on vocational experiences in autism. The purpose of this study is to better understand the career experiences of individuals with a confirmed autism diagnosis. We are looking to conduct virtual interviews with a total of 15 individuals who would like to share their work experience, with the ultimate goal of understanding how their diagnosis, motivations and meaning, influence their career outcomes and work experience.  

 Eligibility: 

  • Between 18 and 25 years of age 
  • Have a confirmed diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist  
  • Have worked for a minimum of 2 consecutive months within the last 5 years  
  • Fluent in English, as interviews will be conducted in English 

Location: Online (Microsoft Teams) 

Contact InformationIndividuals who are interested in participating can contact the researcher by email at vocationinautism@gmail.com to learn more about the study.  

Reimbursement/Time: The interview will last approximately 1 hour. Participants will receive $10 for their time. 

Study End Date: Ongoing.  


Audiological Behavioural Thresholds to Brief-Tone and Chirp Stimuli in Normal Hearing Adults

Researcher: Sarah MacEwan, M.Sc. Candidate; Dr. Tony Herdman

Description: In this study, we are investigating the thresholds at which normal-hearing adults respond to certain sound stimuli. You will first be asked to fill out a short demographics questionnaire and complete a short hearing screening to verify your eligibility to participate in the study. After completing our brief questionnaires, you will listen to certain specialized sounds in a sound booth and indicate when you hear these sounds by pressing a button.

Eligibility: Adults aged 18 – 65 are welcome to participate in our study. We are looking for participants with no previously diagnosed hearing loss, no diagnosed neurological difference or disorder such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Epilepsy, or ADHD, and no diagnosed neuromuscular disorders that impacts reaction time. We ask that participants do not take any medication or substance that could impact their performance during the experiment, such as cannabis or narcotics prior to participation.

Location: P. A. Woodward Instructional Resources Centre (IRC). 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Audiology Research Unit, Room B28. Vancouver, BC. V6T 2A1.

Follow signs for Audiology Research Unit: BRANE Lab. Ring doorbell to be let into waiting room.

Contact Information: Sarah: sarahm07@student.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: Gift card valued at $20 for participation. Study length is 1.5 – 2 hours.

Study End Date: Ongoing.


Action Observation in Golf Putting

Researcher: Carrie Peters, Dr. Nicola Hodges (PI)

Description: Participants are needed for a UBC study to investigate how watching someone else perform can help us learn and/or alert us to errors. We are interested in how watching actions of others impacts on processes related to performance and learning. In this research study, you will be asked to practice a golf putting action and will also watch videos of someone else also doing this task (ethics, H23-01790). This study is being run in the Motor Skills Lab in the School of Kinesiology by principal investigator Dr. Nicola Hodges.

Eligibility: A resume is not required to partake in the study, we simply ask that participants meet all the qualifications listed. We are looking for individuals who are/have: 1) Between ages 18-60 years old, 2) Right-hand dominant for putting, 3) Experienced golfers (golfed ≥ 10 times in the past 5 years) OR participants with no past golf experience (golfed ≤ 5 times in the past 5 years), 4) Normal or corrected-to-normal vision, 5) No known physical or neurological disorders or injuries that impede a putting action, 6) Must be able to understand and speak English

Location: Room 300, War Memorial Gym (6081 University Blvd; http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index_detail.php?locat1=428).

Contact Information: If you meet these qualifications, please email kin.msl@ubc.ca and include “Golf observation” in the subject line. In your email, please include a UBC email address (if available), a phone number, and your availability over the next 2 weeks.

Reimbursement/Time: It is anticipated that the study will take approximately 120-150 minutes. Experienced golfers will only complete the first testing session and participants without golf experience will be asked to return the next day to complete a follow-up testing session that will take ~15 minutes to complete. An honorarium at the rate of $15/hour will be provided upon completion of the study.

Study End Date: Ongoing.


Exploring multi-modal expression of programming intent
(In-person)

Researcher: Anika Sayara, Dongwook Yoon (PI)

Description: During the study, you will watch a series of videos in
Virtual Reality (VR) showcasing various game logics and interactions.
Following each video, you will be immersed in a virtual environment
resembling the scenarios depicted in the videos, complete with 3D
models. Your task will be to instruct an AI to code the same game logics
and interactions demonstrated in the videos. This process is similar to
interacting with ChatGPT, but in a VR setting and unlike ChatGPT that
only takes text as input, the AI you will be interacting with is capable
of understanding all natural input such as voice, hand, head movement,
etc. Afterwards, you will participate in a brief interview session where
you will be asked to share your thoughts and experiences regarding the
activities you performed during the study. The entire study will be
completed in a single session of 60 minutes.

Eligibility:
● Be of age 19 years or older
● able-bodied with sound vision and hearing capabilities to use the VR
headset
● Have actively engaged in coding VR experiences [optional]

Location: Room 306A, Department of Computer Science (2366 Main Mall
#201, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4)

Contact Information: If you are interested in participating, please fill
out the survey here: bit.ly/screener_survey
Any queries should be directed to Anika Sayara at sayanika@cs.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: Participants with VR programming experience will
receive $100 and those without will receive $30 as honorarium.

Study End Date: ongoing


Public Preferences for Fairness in Health Care

Researchers: Christopher Cadham (PhD student); Rafael Meza (UBC Principal Investigator); Lisa Prosser (UM Principal Investigator)

Description: This study seeks to understand what people think can be done to make the health care system more fair. We want to hear about your values when it comes to improving health in your community and across Canada. The results of this study can inform decisions on prioritizing health care spending. Participants will complete a brief background survey and be asked to participate in one virtual focus group.

The focus group will take place on Zoom (an online videoconferencing service) and will take about 60 minutes. Since the discussion is on Zoom, you can complete this study from your home. In this conversation, participants will be asked to share their thoughts on how we can make the healthcare system fairer.

Please visit our study page and click “I am interested!” if you’re interested in participating: https://UMHealthResearch.org/#studies/HUM00235890

Eligibility:

– 18 years old or older

– Resident of Canada

Location: Online (Zoom)

Contact Information: Christopher Cadham, ccadham@umich.edu; https://UMHealthResearch.org/#studies/HUM00235890

Reimbursement/Time: You will be compensated $25 for participating

Screening and consent: 5-20 minutes

Focus group: 60 minutes

Study End Date: September 10, 2023


Supporting older adults in getting remote tech support from
an acquaintance (online)

Researcher: Teerapaun Tanprasert (ttaa2021@cs.ubc.ca); Dr. Joanna
McGrenere (joanna@cs.ubc.ca)

Description: Participants sign up as a pair by completing an online
screening survey individually. If selected to participate, the younger
participant will be asked to watch several short videos in preparation
for the study. The study itself will be 1.5-2 hours and conducted on
Zoom. During the study, the younger participant will help the older
participant learn new tasks and then reflect on the learning
experiences.

Eligibility: We are looking for pairs of participants, one between 18-64
years old and one 65 years old or over, who are familiar with each
other. Both must be fluent in English and able to operate a computer
independently. The younger participant should also have some experience
providing tech help (e.g., help someone set up a new account or create a
calendar event) to acquaintances.

Location: Zoom

Contact Information: Once you’re found a partner, we ask that both you
and your partner fill out this screening survey:
https://tinyurl.com/ubc-helpcall-2. If you have other inquiries, please
email Teerapaun at ttaa2021@cs.ubc.ca.

Reimbursement/Time: 30 CAD per person for 1.5-2 hours on Zoom

Study End Date: December 2023


Study to evaluate a novel storytelling app for mental health

Researcher: Sang-Wha Sien (grad student), Joanna McGrenere (Primary Investigator)

Description: Help us evaluate a novel prototype for UBC students to share and read stories about mental health. Your participation will help us understand how this prototype could be used to help students access mental health care and information. Your participation in this study involves completing an initial interview on Zoom where we will introduce the prototype and give directions on the tasks you will need to complete.

Evaluating the prototype over a 7-day period and completing at least 4 Thought Journals (we will provide a PDF worksheet). Each Thought Journal involves reading a story and answering several questions about the contents of that story.

Completing a final interview on Zoom where we will discuss your experiences.

If you are interested in participating, please take this survey at https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3BOklEdIddoancO. The survey should take 10 minutes to complete.

Eligibility: This study is available to anyone who meets the following criteria:

  • Currently a UBC student with a valid UBC email
  • 18 years old or older
  • Have faced challenges with accessing mental health care and information as a student
  • Interested in using mental health technologies for well-being

Location: Online

Contact Information: Sang-Wha Sien, (778) 230-7365, swsien@cs.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: You will be compensated $50 at a prorated amount for participating.

Initial interview: 30 minutes

Evaluating a prototype and completing 4 Thought Journals: 7 days

Final interview: 60 minutes

Study End Date: December 31, 2023


DaNI – Daily Nature Interactions (online)

Researcher: Johanna Bock (PhD student), Dr. Lorien Nesbitt (PI)

Description: The aim of this study is to understand how people living in cities use nature in their day-to-day life to support their mental health. We are asking you as a resident of Metro Vancouver to share your experiences with us in order to learn about the diverse interests and perceptions of the many different people living in this city. For this study, we send you a survey link every night for a week with a quick survey about your day, how you are feeling and how much time you spent engaging with nature, doing different activities, and in different places.

Eligibility: Individuals between 18 and 65 years of age, living in Metro Vancouver, without physical impairments that affect their use or enjoyment of natural environments.

Location: Online survey (compatible with phone, tablet, computer). This is the link to the first survey: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Sa0qiCvO62fPeK, please fill it out at the end of the day.

Contact Information: If you have any questions, contact Johanna Bock, jbock@mail.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: The study will take about 40 minutes in total over seven days (Ten minutes on day one, five minutes for the following six days). All participants will be entered into a draw to win $100.

Study End Date: September 30, 2023


Disruptive Technologies and Negative Heritage: Evaluating the Social and Economic Impacts of the 3D printed Triumphal Arch of Palmyra (In-person Study)

Researcher: Dr. Lindsay Der (PI); Pamela Zamora Quesada (RA), Rachel Thibeault (RA).

Description: We are looking for Syrian citizens for a research study on Syrian cultural heritage. Eligible participants will be invited to attend in-person focus group sessions for up to two hours and/or in-person individual interviews for up to three hours (interviews may be divided into different sessions if it is convenient for participants). In the focus groups, participants will be asked their views and thoughts on cultural heritage, the impact of the Syrian civil war on cultural heritage and any work done to mitigate such destruction. In the interview, participants will be asked more in-depth questions about the 3D-printed Triumphal Arch of Palmyra, cultural heritage and cultural diplomacy.

Eligibility:

  • Adults, 19 years old or older.

  • Self-identified Syrian nationals.

  • Fluent in English and/or Arabic.

Location: Focus groups will primarily take place ace in Vancouver and Surrey. Interviews will take place in Metro Vancouver.

Contact Information: Dr. Lindsay Der, lindsay.der@ubc.ca.

Reimbursement/Time: Selected participants will be compensated $16.75 per hour.

Study End Date: Ongoing.


“Meta-Humanoid”: Robot-Mediated Telepresence Using Visual Overlays of Remote User (In-person Study)

Researchers:

Principal Investigator: Dongwook Yoon, Computer Science Department, UBC | Email: yoon@cs.ubc.ca

Co-Investigator: Amit Ghimire, Computer Science Department, UBC | Email: amitghi@cs.ubc.ca

Description: This study aims to learn about how people interact in a robot-mediated telepresence system. Participants will use a Mixed Reality (MR) simulation tool to interact with a virtual robot controlled by another participant and perform two tasks together: 1) Q&A to get to know each other and 2) Play a word-guessing game. No prior MR experience is needed.

Participants will provide feedback via a survey and an interview following the tasks.

This study will take approximately 1 hour, and participants will be compensated between $30-$50 for their time.

Eligibility:

Participants must meet all of the following criteria:

·       Be at least 19 years of age.

·       Have normal or corrected to normal vision.

·       Have no major motor impairments.

·       Understand and speak English.

Location: UBC Computer Science Building (ICICS/CS) – Room X521. Address: 2366 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 (Maps link https://goo.gl/maps/czxoPVkbPxbatLpKA )

Contact Information: If you are interested in participating and meet the eligibility criteria, please contact Amit Ghimire via an email(amitghi@cs.ubc.ca) or Text (+12369793185). Please include “Meta-Humanoid Study Participation” as your subject or in the text. We will be in touch with further study information and scheduling.

Reimbursement/Time: Participants will be compensated between $30-$50 for 1 hour.

Study End Date: December 31, 2023.


Errors in motor learning

Researchers: Jean Louise Fabrice, Sowmya Gopalakrishnan, Dr. Matthew Scott, Dr. Nicola Hodges (PI)

Description: 

We are examining the relationship between error experience, confidence in ability to perform successfully (self-efficacy) and skill learning. Participants will learn to throw darts and will be assigned to either an easy-to-difficult or a difficult-to-easy progression of practice (near or far from the dartboard to start), or they will throw to either a large or small target. Participants are required to attend two consecutive days, ~1.5 hours in total.

Eligibility: 

We are looking for individuals who are/have:

  • Not played darts more than once in the past 12-month period OR have not ever played more than 5 times
  • Between ages 19-50 (or 18-50 for UBC students) 
  • Must be female
  • Must be right-handed
  • Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
  • No existing injury to upper limbs and no known neurological disorder
  • Not a current competitive athlete in basketball, softball etc. (activities involving upper limb throwing accuracy)
  • Good understanding of English instructions

Location: War Memorial Gym, room 300, School of Kinesiology, UBC, 6081, University Blvd.

Contact Information: If you are interested in partaking in the study, please email Jean Fabrice at kin.msl@ubc.ca with your availability over the next 3-weeks along with a phone number and a ubc email address (if applicable). In your email please include “Darts Challenge” as the subject heading.

Reimbursement/Time: $15/hour (1.5-2 hours total)

Start and End Date: Ongoing.


Psychoeducation for Bipolar Risk (Online)

Researcher: PI: Kamyar Keramatian; Research Assistant: Heeva Chavoshi

Description: The purpose of this study is to test a novel intervention for individuals at high risk for bipolar disorder (BD) to reduce the delay in its accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment initiation. First, a screening and baseline visit is completed. After, the intervention begins, which will consist of 8 weekly group sessions, each 60 minutes in duration and will be conducted using Zoom. After each session, participants will be asked to complete a brief survey about their views on the content and process of the session and their suggestions for improvements. After the final session, four additional surveys will be completed and a focus group will be conducted to obtain feedback from participants.

Eligibility:

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

– are between the ages of 15 and 24 years old

– are able to understand and communicate in English

– have a family history of bipolar disorder or are having challenges with problematic mood changes

You are not eligible to participate in this study if you:

– have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder

– have significant alcohol or substance use disorder

– are currently severely depressed or actively suicidal

Location: Online study (over Zoom).

Contact Information: bd.research@ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: The study’s intervention consists of 60 minute weekly sessions for 8 weeks. You will receive the total of $40 for completing the screening and baseline visits, $15 for completing each psychoeducation session, and an additional $30 for participating in the post-intervention group feedback session.

Study End Date: Ongoing


Effects of transcranial electrical stimulation on perception and cognitionn

Researcher: Dr. Lawrence Ward (PI)

Description: This experiment will explore how people process visual stimuli. It will involve viewing and responding to visual stimuli presented on a computer screen. You will receive weak electrical stimulation on the scalp.

Eligibility: Must be 18-35 years old

Location: The experiment will be conducted in the Psychophysics and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (Kenny Building, Room 3014)

Contact Information: Email Aakanksha Sahu at wardlab@psych.ubc.ca to organize a time to participate.

Reimbursement/Time: Participants will receive $10.00 for each hour of participation. The study will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete on each of two separate occasions.

Study End Date: No end date.


An Exploration of Parents with ADHD and Their Experiences of Raising Children with ADHD (online)

Researcher: Bethany Ee (PhD Candidate) & Dr. Laurie Ford (PI)

Description:This study aims to explore and describe the lived experiences of mothers with ADHD while they raise a child with ADHD. While there is a lot of research documenting the difficulties that families with ADHD experience, we hope to explore the potential strengths that mothers with ADHD have when it comes to parenting their child with ADHD. The study will require participating in a Zoom interview (60mins) and completing four short journal entries (5-10mins).

Eligibility:Mothers with ADHD, who have a biological child with ADHD between the ages of 6 to 12 years old.

Location:online

Contact Information:BethanyE@student.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time:Participants will receive an honorarium in the form of a $25 Amazon gift card

Study End Date:Ongoing


Visual Anticipation in Volleyball

Researcher: Ellie Saplywy (RA), Ryan Jinn (RA), Matt Krueger, Dr. Matthew Scott, and Dr. Nicola Hodges (PI; School of Kinesiology, UBC)

Description: This study will require participants to come to the War Memorial Gym for a testing session taking up to 1 hour. In this experiment, participants will be shown various videos of offensive volleyball plays that will be occluded (edited) at various points in time to prevent information about ball flight. Participants will be asked to respond on force plates (pressure sensitive mats) about the direction of the ball (left, right, centre/straight-up).

Participants will be reimbursed $15 minimum for participation in 1 testing session (or $15.65/hr whichever is more depending on time).

No resume is required, we simply as that you meet all the listed qualifications. If you meet these qualifications, please email kin.msl@ubc.ca with the subject line “Volleyball anticipation“. In your email, please include your ubc email if applicable, a phone number and your availability over the coming weeks.  Thank you for your interest!

Eligibility: In order to participate in this study, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Males and females between ages 19-35 years
  • Must have some experience playing volleyball. We are looking for individuals of two different experience types. You may participate if you have NOT played post-secondary/competitive volleyball (i.e., only played recreationally). Alternatively, you can partake if you are have played at the Collegiate or USport level in Canada (high level of experience).
  • Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
  • No existing injury to lower limbs and no known neurological disorder
  • Good understanding of English instructions

Location: 300A in the War Memorial Gym (6081 University Blvd; http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index_detail.php?locat1=428).

Contact Information: If you meet the eligibility criteria, please email kin.msl@ubc.ca and include “Volleyball” in the subject line. In your email, please include a UBC email (if available), a phone number, your gender and availability over the next two weeks.

Reimbursement/Time: The study is estimated to take up to 1 hour across one visit. Participants will be reimbursed $15.65 per hour.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted Apr 12, 2023


Efficacy of Lurasidone in Improving Cognitive Functioning in Euthymic patients with Bipolar I Disorder (ELICE BD- H20-00129; In-person)

Researcher: Lakshmi Yatham (Principal Investigator); Jayasree Basivireddy (Primary Study Coordinator)

Description: The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of Lurasidone in improving cognition in bipolar type-1 and type-2 participants.  Some people with bipolar disorder have problems with memory, concentration, and decision making skills even after their mood symptoms have improved.  Such cognitive deficits are associated with impairments in everyday functioning and quality of life. This study has 4 (screen, baseline, week-3, week-6) clinic visits and 4 phone appointments. At screen visit neurocognitive testing (paper and pencil tests of memory, problem solving etc) is completed. Only participants with cognitive impairment will complete clinical assessments, physical examination and laboratory tests. At baseline visit, eligible participant are randomized to receive either cariprazine or Placebo over 6 weeks. Neurocognitive testing, blood sample collection and clinical assessments are completed at all clinic visits.

Eligibility: Individuals who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to participate

  • You are between the ages of 19 and 65 inclusive
  • You must be diagnosed with Bipolar disorder
  • You are not stable on your current medication
  • You are not in a manic or depressive episode currently

No changes will be made to your current medications

Location: Mood Disorders Centre (2nd floor of Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health), 2215 Wesbrook Mall

Contact Information: Please email or call the study coordinator at bipolar.research@ubc.ca or (604) 822-3769

Reimbursement/Time:  The study will take approximately 11-13 hours of your time over 10-12weeks.  You will receive $25 at screen and week-3 visits.  $50 at baseline and week 6 visits. In addition, your transportation / parking expenses will be covered for the clinic visits.

Study end date:  31 Dec 2025


Efficacy of Cariprazine in Improving Cognitive Functioning in Euthymic patients with Bipolar I Disorder (CARPZ-01 :H20-01293; in-person study)

Researcher: Lakshmi Yatham (Principal Investigator); Jayasree Basivireddy (Primary Study Coordinator)

Description: The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of cariprazine in improving cognition in bipolar type-1 participants.  Some people with bipolar disorder have problems with memory, concentration, and decision making skills even after their mood symptoms have improved.  Such cognitive deficits are associated with impairments in everyday functioning and quality of life. This study has 4 (screen, baseline, week-3, week-6) clinic visits and 4 phone appointments. At screen visit neurocognitive testing (paper and pencil tests of memory, problem solving etc) is completed. Only participants with cognitive impairment will complete clinical assessments, physical examination and laboratory tests. At baseline visit, eligible participant are randomized to receive either cariprazine or Placebo over 6 weeks. Neurocognitive testing, blood sample collection and clinical assessments are completed at all clinic visits.

Eligibility: Individuals who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to participate

  • You are between the ages of 19 and 65 inclusive
  • You must be diagnosed with Bipolar disorder
  • You are not stable on your current medication
  • You are not in a manic or depressive episode currently

No changes will be made to your current medications

Location: Mood Disorders Centre (2nd floor of Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health), 2215 Wesbrook Mall

Contact Information: Please email or call the study coordinator at bipolar.research@ubc.ca or (604) 822-3769

Reimbursement/Time:  The study will take approximately 11-13 hours of your time over 10-12weeks.  You will receive $25 at screen and week-3 visits.  $50 at baseline and week 6 visits. In addition, your transportation / parking expenses will be covered for the clinic visits.

Study end date:  30 Sept 2026


Recovery Transitions Research Study

Researcher: Dr. Robinder Bedi

Description: Eight in-person group counselling sessions involving discussions on the life transitions that occur after achieving abstinence from alcohol use or successful controlled drinking following past problematic alcohol use.

Eligibility:

  • Participants will be adults, defined as being at least 19 years old.
  • Participants must have a previously experienced problematic alcohol use, but no major problems with alcohol in the last year.

Location: Groups running in Vancouver and Surrey

Contact Information: If you meet the requirements mentioned above, please email bedi.lab4@ubc.ca to indicate interest. Alternatively, you can leave us a message at 604-822-8953. A researcher will contact you to provide more information about the study and to obtain information to determine eligibility (takes approximately 20 minutes).

Reimbursement/Time: Up to $120 upon completion of a set of questionnaires before and after the group sessions.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted 2023 Mar 29

Gambling PET/MR Imaging Study (In-person)

Researcher: Dr. Lester Tong, Dr. Luke Clark, Dr. Catharine Winstanley (PI)
Description:  The purpose of this study is to understand brain activity associated with gambling decisions. Participants will undergo:
  • A gambling task during the PET & MRI brain imaging scans
  • A positron emission tomography (PET) scan
    • Uses a small amount of radiation (4.63mSv) attached to a known chemical compound to help the scanner image chemicals in your brain
    • 90 minutes to complete
  • Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) scans
    • Uses a large magnet inside the scanner to take pictures of your brain and measure
    • Done at the same time as the PET scan in the same scanner
  • Total time requirement is 3 hours
Eligibility:
  • Healthy male and female volunteers age 19-50
  • Normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
  • Fluent English
Location: Charles E. Fipke Integrated Neuroimaging Suite, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
Contact Information: Lester Tong (lctong@mail.ubc.ca)
Reimbursement/Time:  You will be compensated for your time and receive cash bonuses earned on the gambling task

Study End Date: Ongoing, posted March 29, 2023.


Fostering Empathy through Intergenerational Storytelling in Embodied Virtual Reality

Researcher: Chenxinran Elise Shen (MSC student), Joanna McGrenere, Dongwook Yoon

Description: 

The study involves using our experimental VR system to switch bodies and discuss life events in different points of views. We will ask the participants to do the following:

(1) Participants are required to complete an online screening survey to confirm their eligibility.

(2) A 20-minute Zoom meeting will be scheduled with the older adult participant to share information about their memorable life events and relevant photos.

(3) Participants will be invited to attend a 30-minute VR session at the UBC lab, where the older adult participant will share their life event in a designed VR space to the younger participant.

(4) After the VR session, participants will be interviewed for 20 minutes about their experience in a semi-structured format.

Eligibility:

  • Participants must have at least one generational gap (e.g. parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, uncle and niece)
  • Both participants must be 18 years or older and able to effectively communicate in English.
  • The older family member will share life stories and provide relevant photos. Participants will also need to provide photo(s) of their front face for VR avatar modeling

Location: Room x521, Department of Computer Science (2366 Main Mall #201, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4)

Contact Information: If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact  Chenxinran Shen at elise007@cs.ubc.ca or text me at 4379730599.

Reimbursement/Time: You and your family member will receive $80 in total via e-transfer for your commitment to the project, at a prorated amount. We will cover the transportation expense with a cap at $50.

Study End Date: Ongoing, posted March 29, 2023.


Normal Values for Cervical and Ocular Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP): Comparison of air conducted (AC) and vibratory stimuli (bone conduction-BC) (In-person)

Researcher: Ph.D. student May Elbar under the supervision of Professor Navid Shahnaz, associate professor (School of Audiology and Speech Science).

Description: In this study, we are investigating the influence of stimulus parameters on the lowest levels (threshold) that we could obtain these responses and the time it will take for each response wave to be produced (latency).  We hope that the normative data obtained using this relatively new method will help find a more reliable way of diagnosing balance issues. The following tests will be conducted in this study: Otoscopic examination (Small equipment that helps us to visualize the external part of your ear), Wideband tympanometry and middle ear muscle reflex (the first test, wideband tympanometry, is a safe test to assess your middle ear function.  In this test, a sound will be presented to your ear while the air pressure in the outer ear canal is changed within a safe range.  You don’t have to do anything.  The only things that you should not do during that test are speaking and/or swallowing.  It lasts for almost 1 minute), Automatic Audiometry (Bekesy Audiometry 250-16000 Hz) (the hearing assessment will be done in a specific testing sound booth and will require you to press a button when you hear beep sounds of varying quality and level that are presented through headphones), Otoacoustic emission: (Assessment of the hearing function through introduction of different tones at different frequencies through prob tip put in your ears), Ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential vestibular evoked myogenic potential: (We will place some surface electrodes on your head, neck, and around the eye, and small earphones will be inserted into your ears, then a vibrator will be put behind your ear.  In a part of the test, you will have to do a certain position with your neck.  In another part, you have to look at a specific target).

Eligibility criteria:

  • Adults between the ages of 18 to 29
  • Normal hearing thresholds: more than or equal 25 decibel Hearing level between 250Hz to 8000 Hertz.
  • Normal balance function.
  • Free of any history of severe head accidents, balance dysfunction, noise exposure, or ototoxic drug.
  • No outer or middle ear defects were visible during the otoscopy.
  • All participants should have normal middle ear function.
  • All participants should be fluent in the English language as they should be able to follow instructions on test protocol during the test. English as a second language participant whose first language is Farsi or Arabic can be accommodated.

Location: Testing will be completed in the Middle Ear Lab located on the UBC campus in the IRC building. Faculty of Medicine, 2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T1Z3

Contact Information:  get in touch with the Middle Ear Lab through email at mel@audiospeech.ubc.ca to set up an appointment.

Reimbursement/Time:  There is no reimbursement for participation in this study. However, participants will have a complete hearing check-up and vestibular assessment by VEMP. In case of detecting any abnormality, we can refer the participant to the recommended medical specialist.it takes about one and a half hours to complete a clinical hearing test and other measures of middle ear function and vestibular system.

Study End Date:  ongoing. Posted 2023 march 1


Student e-Mental Health Project: Minder App Testing (Online)

Researcher:Dr. Daniel Vigo, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine

Description:Students are invited to participate in a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a new mental health and substance use app called Minder. This app was developed by students, for students, with the input of psychologists, psychiatrists, and other clinicians. Participants will complete two surveys asking about their opinion of the app and about their mental health over the course of 4 weeks while using the app.

Eligibility:Current UBC students

Location:Online/in-app

Contact Information:Register for the trial at this Qualtrics link: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2nLM2YwLvCPRNie . Any questions can be directed tomental.health.lab@ubc.ca or the principal investigator (daniel.vigo@ubc.ca)

Reimbursement/Time:Participants will be paid $20 to complete two surveys over the course of 4 weeks.

Study End Date: March 31, 2023


Study Strategies Interview (Online)

Researcher: Principle Investigator: Todd Handy, todd@psych.ubc.ca. Co-Investigator: Alannah Wallace, alannahw@psych.ubc.ca

Description: The purpose of this study is to collect information about how students use academic strategies to complete assignments and study for exams. Participants will be asked to fill out a demographics form, a questionnaire pertaining to strategy use and participate in a recorded Zoom interview about strategy use (participants have the option to turn off camera function, please note this interview is recorded).

Eligibility: Participant must be a student at UBC that is diagnosed with ADHD.

Location: This study takes place online over zoom. Participants will be provided a zoom link over email.

Contact Information: Alannah Wallace, alannahw@psych.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: The study takes one hour and participants will obtain a $10 Amazon gift card which will be emailed to them.

Study End Date: March 17 2023.


An Online Meeting Tool for Facial Expressions and Body Language (Online Study)

Researcher: Kevin Chow, Roy Rutishauser, Dr. Andre Meyer, Dr. Joanna McGrenere (co-PI), Dr. Thomas Fritz (co-PI)

Description: We’re looking for full-time workers (including graduate students) who regularly attend online meetings with video for work and are interested in trying out a new meeting tool. The tool gives you feedback on your facial expressions and body language through a glanceable display during online meetings by analyzing your video feed. You must use macOS to install the meeting tool to participate in the study. In the study, you will install and use the tool with your regular online work meetings (you are free to skip using the tool for some meetings), complete three questionnaires, and answer questions about your experience after the study. This study is a collaboration between researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Zurich (UZH) in Switzerland.

Eligibility:

  • Works full-time, including research-based graduate students.
  • Attend at least 4-6 online meetings for work weekly with video on.
  • Are willing and able to install and use the meeting tool at your workplace.
  • Are using macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or higher.
  • Have and use a webcam (built-in webcam is fine, such as those on MacBooks).
  • Have ~2 GB of free/unused RAM/memory.

Location: Online (Zoom)

Contact Information: Please fill out the eligibility survey (2 mins to complete): https://bit.ly/ubc-meeting-study
If you have questions, feel free to email Kevin (kchowk@cs.ubc.ca)

Reimbursement/Time: The study will take an additional 3-4 hours (on top of your regular meeting time) over at most 4 weeks. You will (1) receive the CAD equivalent of 40 CHF (approximately 50-60 CAD) in an Amazon gift card and (2) be entered into a raffle to win 1 of 3 Apple Watches (series 3/4) or a 200 CHF gift card (or CAD equivalent) as study compensation.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted 2023 Feb 16


Emerging Adults’ Experience of Caring for Parents with Advanced Disease (Online Study)

Researcher: Eryn Tong, Dr. Abby Goldstein (PI)

Description: We are currently conducting a study to better understand the experience of emerging adults caring for parents living with an incurable, terminal illness. This study is being conducted at the University of Toronto. Interested individuals will be invited to participate in a one-to-one interview lasting approximately 60 minutes. We are hoping to recruit a range of individuals with diverse experiences.

Eligibility:

  • Between 18 and 29 years of age
  • Currently providing unpaid support to a parent living with an incurable, terminal medical condition
  • Living in Canada
  • Fluent in English

Location: Online (Microsoft Teams)

Contact Information: Please include “Caregiving Study” in the subject line; Eryn Tong eryn.tong@mail.utoronto.ca

Reimbursement/Time: The interview will last approximately 1 hour. Participants will receive a $20 gift card for their time.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted 2023 Feb 7


Study title: Synapse-BD: Assessing neurite density and neuroinflammation in bipolar disorder (in-person study)

Researcher: Lakshmi Yatham (Principal Investigator); Shannon Reid (Research Assistant)

Description: The purpose of this study is to determine if there are differences between individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy individuals in the position and density of nerve cells in the brain, and if they are related to inflammation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) will be used to obtain this information. Participants will come to the clinic for a screening visit to answer questionnaires, provide saliva and blood samples, and talk to a study psychiatrists. Participants who are found to be eligible after the screening visit will be scheduled to come in for a subsequent 90 minute PET/MRI scan as well as a cognitive test and a second blood sample.

Eligibility: Participants are either people who have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type I for 5 years or more, or people who are healthy controls with no personal or family history of any mood and/or psychotic disorders. You may be able to participate if:

  • You are between the ages of 19 and 50
  • You have a good working English language ability
  • You have no history of any major medical illnesses or head injury
  • Your body mass index is between 18.0 and 29.9
  • Those who can get pregnant must be using contraception

Location: Mood Disorders Centre (2nd floor of Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health), 2215 Wesbrook Mall

Contact Information: Please email or call the study coordinator at bipolar.research@ubc.ca or (604) 822-8045

Reimbursement/Time:  The study will take approximately 6 hours of your time, and time and travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Study end date: Ongoing. Posted 2023 Feb 7


Visuomotor Learning (in-person)

Researcher: Alexander Cook (Graduate student), Ahad Zafar (RA), Melissa Aziz (RA), April Hwang (RA) and Hee Yeon Im (PI)
Description: This study seeks to evaluate participants’ learning of new motor movements through a behavioural task. You will first complete a few short visual assessments, followed by a computer task.
Eligibility:
  • 6-10 years of age
  • Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision
Location: BC Children’s Hospital
                 Room E300E, 4480 Oak Street
                 V6H 3V4
Contact Information: If you’re interested and meet the eligibility criteria, please email Ahad at ubcvcnlab@bcchr.ca
Reimbursement/Time: The study will be conducted in one session, lasting between 40 mins to an hour. You will receive $30 for your participation.
Study end date: September 2023

Effect of Audiovisual Multisensory Integration on Manual Interception (in-person)

Researcher: Dr Miriam Spering (Principal investigator), Abibat Akande, Philipp Kreyenmeier (Graduate students)

Description: We are looking for healthy volunteers to take part in a study on audiovisual multisensory integration on manual interception. If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to look at a moving object on a screen and follow its motion with your eyes. You will also be asked to intercept it by hitting it on the screen with your finger. You can collect points during the experiment based on your performance.

Eligibility:  To participate, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • be between 19-49 years old.
  • have normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity.
  • do not have hard contact lenses.
  • have no history of neurological disease (such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, trauma to the head, including a concussion within 12 months of the study).
  • have no history of eye disease (such as strabismus or amblyopia, known a “lazy eye”)
  • do not have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator.
  • have no history of psychiatric disease (such as schizophrenia or depression).

Location: The study location is 2366 Main Mall, Computer Science building, ICICS Room X715, UBC campus.

Contact Information: Please email Abibat: akande02@student.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: The experiment consists of a single session lasting up to 90 minutes. You will be compensated $10/hour in cash upon completion of this study. In addition to this, you will be paid out your winnings based on the number of points you collected during the experiment.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted Jan 10, 2023


Understanding the Social Networks of Adults 50+ With Mental Health Concerns in BC

Researcher: Dr. Carolyn Szostak, Angeliki-Iliana Louloudi, Kendra Corman, Tanyapreet Kaur, Carley Paterson.

Description: You will complete an online survey. The survey includes general demographic questions, mental health and well-being questions, and questions relating to relationships with key people in your social network. The survey can be done on a computer or a mobile device (smartphone or tablet).

Eligibility: Adults over the age of 50 years old, have a mental health concern like anxiety or depression (does not need to be diagnosed by a doctor), Live in an Urban community in British Columbia (population of 20,000 people or over).

Location: online survey through Qualtrics, https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YbBnhhFskVOJTw.

Contact InformationCarolyn.szostak@ubc.ca, angelalo@student.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/ Time: The survey should take about 1 hour to complete. It may take 30-90 minutes depending on how many people are in your circle. In the end, participants will get a chance to enter a draw for a chance to win one of five $100 prizes.

Study End Date: The survey closes on February 20, 2023.


Individual versus shared practice for the learning of a polyrhythm task

Researchers: Elise Saplywy (RA), Aneesha Mehta (RA), Ryan Jin (RA), Minghao Ma (RA), Charlie Sushams (RA), Dr April Karlinsky (Asst. Professor), Dr Matthew Scott (Postdoc) and Dr. Nicola Hodges (Professor, PI; School of Kinesiology, UBC)

Description: Participants will practice a rhythmic finger-tapping task alone or with a partner, trying to learn the timing of the rhythm as accurately as possible. This study will require attendance across two consecutive days (estimated 1.5-2 total hours).

Eligibility: In order to participate in this study you must meet all of the following requirements: 1) 18-39 years old, 2) right-hand dominant, 3) no current injury to the wrists and hands, 4) normal or corrected vision and hearing, 5) no known neurological disorders, 6) not a musician (i.e., no significant training in playing a musical instrument with max. of 4 years of piano training as a child (please inform the researcher about all music training), 7) good understanding of English, 8) no previous participation in a similar study conducted by the School of Kinesiology’s Motor Skills Lab (if in doubt, please check with the researcher), 9) Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Location: Room 300 and room 26 in War Memorial Gym. However, please always meet in War Memorial Gym, Room 300.

Contact Information: Please contact the UBC Motor Skills Laboratory at kin.msl@ubc.ca. Please include “Rhythms” or “polyrhythm” in the subject line of your email.

Reimbursement/Time: The study will take place across 2 days in a row. Day 1 will take 1-1.5 hours and Day 2 will take 30min (total time: 1.5-2 hours). Participants will be paid $15.65/hour.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted Nov 16, 2022


Sequency Learning Dyad Keypress (In-person)

Researcher: Aneesha Mehta (RA), Georgia Grieve, Dr. Matthew Scott and Dr. Nicola Hodges (PI; School of Kinesiology, UBC)

Description: One-off research participant for research project in the School of Kinesiology (right-handed females only). You will be asked to come to the War Memorial Gym to take part in a study looking at the cognitive and behavioural processes involved in motor learning. We will study how people practice and learn various patterns of keystrokes across two days of practice. This study requires attendance of 2 sessions (1 session/day for 2 consecutive days). Day 1 will last approximately 1h 15 minutes. Day 2 will last approximately 30 minutes. Participants may, or may not, learn the task with another participant (depending on group allocation).

Eligibility: In order to participate in this study, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Female adult (age 18-35)
  • Right-hand dominant
  • Normal vision or wear corrective lenses
  • No injury to the right hand
  • Must be English speaking
  • Must be vaccinated against COVID-19
  • No known neurological disorders
  • No previous participation in a similar study (involving keystroke patterns) conducted by the Motor Skills Laboratory (if in doubt, please check with Aneesha, email: Kin.msl@ubc.ca)

Location: Room 24A (basement level) in the War Memorial Gym (6081 University Blvd; http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index_detail.php?locat1=428).

Contact Information: If you meet the qualifications below, please email Aneesha to indicate interest (resume NOT required). In your email provide a UBC email (if applicable), a phone number and your availability over the coming weeks. Please include “ATTN: Keypress” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Reimbursement/Time: The study is estimated to take up to 2 hours across the two days. Participants will be reimbursed $15.65 per hour.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted Nov 16, 2022


Cantonese Perception, Recognition, and Processing

Researcher: Rachel Soo (Co-Investigator) and Molly Babel (PI)

Description:Cantonese talkers will complete language questionnaires, and listening tasks where they judge Cantonese sounds.

Eligibility:To be eligible for the study, you must:

  • be born and raised in Hong Kong,
  • be able to speak and understand Cantonese (knowing how to read Chinese characters is *NOT* necessary)
  • have no known hearing or linguistic deficits

Location: Online. If you are interested in participating, please sign up at https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_espJ5DsNkcAZ1si to get access to the experiment link.

Contact Information: Rachel Soo, Rachel.soo@ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: The lasts 40-50 minutes and participants will be compensated with a $10 Amazon gift card.

Study End Date:8/31/2023


Investigating Cognitive Factors Associated with Gambling

Researcher: Brittney Russell (graduate student), Dr. Catharine Winstanley (PI)

Description: The study contains a single 2-3 hour test session. Prior to the test session, we will arrange a telephone call to ask some questions about your general health, mental health and gambling behavior to confirm your eligibility for the study. During the test session, you will first undergo a structured clinical interview with a member of our team and will privately complete questionnaires regarding your personality and gambling, before being asked to complete some computerized tasks. The tasks involve choosing between two probability scenarios and will be accompanied by eye tracking, done non-invasively using a special apparatus with a small camera.

Eligibility:

  • You are between the ages of 25 and 40 years old
  • You are fully vaccinated for COVID-19
  • You are able to read, write and speak fluent English
  • You have not experienced problems associated with gambling
  • You do not have a history of/current neurological illness, head injury or psychiatric hospitalization
  • You do not have any ongoing problems with mental health (e.g., depression/anxiety) or substances
  • You have not started (or changed) any medication or medication dose in the past 6 weeks

Location: Vancouver General Hospital’s Eye Care Centre (360A-2550 Willow Street)

Contact Information: to participate, email brittney.russell@psych.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: You will be compensated $30 for your time and will earn bonus payment on the computer tasks. We will also reimburse any transit or parking expenses.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted 2022 Oct 6


Feasibility study of long-term light and ion therapy for maintenance treatment in depression (LIMIT-D) (In-person)

Researcher: Dr. Raymond Lam, Department of Psychiatry

Description: The UBC Mood Disorders Centre at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health is now recruiting for a feasibility study exploring the use of two separate non-medication treatments, light therapy and ion therapy, as maintenance treatment in major depression. We are interested in exploring factors affecting the two treatments as maintenance treatments (to help prevent the return of symptoms) instead of medications in people with Major Depressive Disorders who wish to stop their antidepressant treatment.

Participation would include daily use of a bright light device or ion device provided by our clinic for 6 months, as well as regularly completing self-rated scales and meeting the study doctor for assessments. However, half of the treatment devices have been modified so that they are inactive (placebo). You have a 1 in 2 chance (like flipping a coin) of receiving an active or an inactive device.

Eligibility: We are looking for people who:

  • are 19-65 years old;
  • meet criteria for major depressive disorder (not bipolar disorder) and have had two or more episodes of depression;
  • are currently taking an antidepressant for depression, and have taken it continuously for at least 3 months and no more than 12 months, with no dose change in the past month
  • are interested in or are considering stopping your antidepressant
  • are feeling well (no longer depressed) and in remission, according to a clinical interview
  • do not have a seasonal pattern of depressive episodes (seasonal affective disorder)
  • have no other major medical conditions or psychiatric conditions (except for major depressive disorder);
  • do not have a problem with substance use currently or within the past 6 months.

Location: UBC Mood Disorders Centre, at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health

Contact information: Jing Liu Lam.MDDResearch2@ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: $15 per visit (1-2 hours)

Study End Date: Sep 2024


Eye movements as a sensitive indicator of trait impulsivity

Researcher: Miriam Spering (Primary investigator) and Juana Ayala (graduate student)

Description: This study seeks to relate impulse control to hypomania/mania proneness using sensitive tests based on naturally occurring and instinctive eye movements in a cohort of young, undiagnosed, adults. During the session you will first complete a number of short assessments to test your vision, personality traits, and cognitive abilities.You will then view visual stimuli on a computer monitor while your eye movements are being recorded.

Eligibility: To participate you must:

  • be between 19-40 years old.
  • have normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity.
  • have no history of bipolar disorder
  • have no history of eye disease (such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or “lazy eye”), traumatic brain injury (in the last two years), or stroke.
  • not be currently on medication to treat a psychiatric disorder.
  • not be experiencing ongoing symptoms of depression.

Location: This study will be conducted at UBC campus in the ICICS building, room X715 (2366 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC).

Contact Information: If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in participating in our study please contact Juana Ayala at jmayala3@student.ubc.ca.

Reimbursement/Time: This study will be conducted in one session taking up to 2 hours. You will receive $10 per hour of study participation (rounded up to the nearest 15 min interval).

Study End Date: May 2023.


ROAR CANADA: Craving Associations to Relevant Electroencephalography Signals (CARES; In-person)

Researcher: Tanisse Teale and Dr. Christian Schutz
Description: Craving has been highly discussed in as a central risk factor in addiction research but what is not known is the pattern of craving over an extended period of abstinence. ROAR CANADA CARES utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) to identify neural markers that show craving through a computer picture task. We are also using a control group, which includes individuals without a history of psychiatric disorder or substance use disorder, to help us understand what results may be generalizable to every person and which results are specific to having a concurrent disorder.
Eligibility:
  • 19 or older
  • Proficient in English
  • Healthy (including no current psychiatric illness or substance dependence, and no history of major head injury)
Location: 430 – 5950 University Blvd – David Strangway Building, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3
Contact Information: BRAIN Lab Research Team, brainlab.cares@ubc.ca
Reimbursement/Time: Up to $60, 6 sessions once a month for 5 months, totalling 6 hours (sessions can range from 35 minutes to 60 minutes)
Study End Date: February 2023

SHIVA perceptual modes experiment

Researcher: Sogol Ghattan, Tainá Dauzaker, Katerina Li, Christine Song, Kevin Zhang, Isabel Zorrila, Ronald Rensink (PI)
Description:  We are investigating various possible influences on visual search, an experimental paradigm used to study the attentional processing of visual stimuli. Furthermore, we are interested in discovering a predictable relationship, if any, which exists between the viewing of particular stimuli and participants’ mode of attentional engagement.
Eligibility:
  • Online: In order to participate, your computer screen must be at least 16cm in height (not including the bevels). You must also be willing to share your screen and turn on your webcam for the duration of the experiment.
  • In-person: being able to come to the UBC campus Kenny building.
Location:  UBC Kenny Building , Room 3204
Contact Information: 
Reimbursement/Time: $10 for approximately 40 minutes of study
Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted June 23, 2022

Visual and Kinesthetic Contributions (In-person)

Researcher: Annika Szarka, Braelyn Gandossi, Gregg Eschelmuller, Romeo Chua (PI)

Description: We are conducting a number of studies designed to examine the interactions between vision and kinesthesis in the control and adaptation of voluntary movement. We are interested in the role of sensory and error signals in motor control. In this study, you will be asked to make reaching movements in response to visual targets. Your primary goal will be to make target-directed reaches as quickly and accurately as possible under a variety of visual and kinesthetic sensory conditions. A computer-controlled motion analysis system will be used to monitor eye and hand movements. Visual and kinesthetic stimuli will be presented via visual displays and muscle vibration, respectively.

Eligibility: You may be able to participate if:

  • Age 18-35
  • Right-Handed
  • Have normal or corrected vision
  • No known neurological disorder
  • Fully vaccinated for COVID-19

Location: Room 202, Osborne Ctr Unit 2, 6108 Thunderbird Blvd, UBC Vancouver Campus

Contact Information: If you are interested in participating, please send an email to pmdlab.ubc@gmail.com. We will be in touch with further study information and scheduling.

Reimbursement/Time: The study consists of one session of testing, approximately 60-75 minutes. Participants will receive a $10 honorarium for participation.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted June 14, 2o22


Exploring Eating and Mental Health in a Daily Diary Study (Online)

Researcher: Arezoo Shahnaz (graduate student), Dr. E. David Klonsky (Principal Investigator)

Description: We are looking for young adults (age 18-35) to participate in a daily diary study on eating behaviours, mental health, and suicide. This research will help mental health professionals better understand and meet the needs of people who experience eating concerns and suicidal thoughts. This research would not be possible without the support of interested participants.

The study involves one brief virtual visit (video call) to get set up and answering short questionnaires 3 times a day for 7 days using your smartphone (iPhone/android).

Eligibility: In order to participate, you must

  • Be between the ages of 18-35
  • Currently reside in British Columbia
  • Own a smartphone capable of downloading apps (ExpiWell)
  • Engage in certain eating behaviours AND experience suicidal thoughts

Location: Online

Contact Information: If you are interested, take a short survey to find out if you are eligible for the study. After completing the survey, IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE, a researcher will contact you to set up the initial visit:

https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bpcnd63kXzrjZ78

Reimbursement/Time: If you are eligible for the study, you will attend one brief virtual visit (video call) to get set up and answering short questionnaires 3 times a day for 7 days using your smartphone(iPhone/android). You will have the opportunity to earn up to $55 in Amazon.ca gift cards

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted 2022 June 3rd.


Sequency Learning Dyad Keypress (In-person)

Researcher: Aneesha Mehta (RA), Georgia Grieve, Dr. Matthew Scott and Dr. Nicola Hodges (PI; School of Kinesiology, UBC)

Description: One-off research participant for research project in the School of Kinesiology (right-handed females only). You will be asked to come to the War Memorial Gym to take part in a study looking at the cognitive and behavioural processes involved in motor learning. We will study how people practice and learn various patterns of keystrokes across two days of practice. This study requires attendance of 2 sessions (1 session/day for 2 consecutive days). Day 1 will last approximately 1h 15 minutes. Day 2 will last approximately 30 minutes. Participants may, or may not, learn the task with another participant (depending on group allocation).

Eligibility: In order to participate in this study, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Female adult (age 18-35)
  • Right-hand dominant
  • Normal vision or wear corrective lenses
  • No injury to the right hand
  • Must be English speaking
  • Must be vaccinated against COVID-19
  • No known neurological disorders
  • No previous participation in a similar study (involving keystroke patterns) conducted by the Motor Skills Laboratory (if in doubt, please check with Aneesha, email: Kin.msl@ubc.ca)

Location: Room 24A (basement level) in the War Memorial Gym (6081 University Blvd; http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index_detail.php?locat1=428).

Contact Information: If you meet the qualifications below, please email Aneesha to indicate interest (resume NOT required). In your email provide a UBC email (if applicable), a phone number and your availability over the coming weeks. Please include “ATTN: Keypress” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Reimbursement/Time: The study is estimated to take up to 2 hours across the two days. Participants will be reimbursed $16.65 per hour.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted May 30, 2022


Join the Mailing List

If you would like to receive regular emails listing the paid surveys available at UBC, join the paid participant studies mailing list! Emails are typically sent out on a weekly or bi-weekly basis (depending on whether there are new studies available).

To join the list, please sign up at http://www.tinyletter.com/PaidParticipants. You may unsubscribe yourself at any time.


Advertise on the List

If you have paid studies you want to list on the mailing list/listserv, please send an email to Melanie Butt [mbutt@psych.ubc.ca] with the following information. Please send your listing plain-text in an email with 1) ethics approval attachment; 2) “Paid study posting” in the email subject to ensure your email does not get lost.

Study Title: A unique title used to identify your study (Indicate if this is an online study or not)

Researcher: The grad student(s) and the primary investigator

Description: A few sentences or a short paragraph about what participants will do. You can use the Human Subjects Pool style as a guide.

Eligibility: Any restrictions, such as if you only want students, psych majors, a certain age, etc.

Location: Where the participant will take part in the study (e.g., Kenny building, UBC campus, Vancouver General Hospital, online). Please note that not all readers of the list are UBC students, and so if your location is a building on campus, we recommend you include a street address so participants can look up the location of the building.

Contact Information: A name, email address/phone number, a scheduling link (if eligible) so participants can organize a time to participate

Reimbursement/Time: What participants will be paid and how long will the study take

Study End Date: When the study will be removed from the list. Studies labelled ongoing will remain on the list for one year or until you contact Ke to remove them.

Please note: This list is a posting service only. All studies affiliated with UBC involving human participants are required to have a research ethics certificate before using this service and the use of this site needs to be specifically outlined in the research ethics application. It is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure proper ethics guidelines are being followed in using this list as an advertising space. For information on UBC Research Ethics, consult the Office of Research Ethics website. This list is hosted online by, but not affiliated with, the Psychology Graduate Student Council.