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: 2023 May 20

 

Decoding Sounds and Words in the Developing Brain

Researchers: Dr. Alexis Black (PI) and Thalia Hernandez-DePaoli
Description: We are interested in how adults, children and babies process language. Specifically, we are looking at the neural representation of words and word-like sounds using electroencephalography (EEG). EEG device is a non-invasive, safe neuroimaging tool that measures the electrical activity within the brain. It involves placing a swimcap-like hat with electrodes on a participant’s head and recording their brain activity while they are presented with language stimuli. The study should take 1 to 1.5 hours.
Eligibility: Monolingual English (hearing 80-100% English in their daily lives)
Location: Room 438, Friedman Building, 2177 Wesbrook Mall
Contact Information: Alexis Black at alexis.black@audiospeech.ubc.ca
Reimbursement/Time: $15/hour or portion thereof
Start and End Date: Ongoing. Posted May 20, 2023.
 

The Mood and Thinking Study (Online)

Researchers: Joelle LeMoult (PI), Katerina Rnic (Postdoctoral Fellow)

Description: The purpose of this study is to examine the association between the way you think and the way you feel. You will first be asked to complete a 5-10 minute screening survey that will assess your eligibility. If you are eligible for the study, you will be invited to the Part 1 Zoom session during which you will complete a few online activities. Part 2 involves completing daily online activities over the course of three weeks. Parts 3 and 4 involve follow-up surveys and tasks.

You will be compensated $25 for completing the study. You will also receive an entry in a cash prize draw for every component of the study that you complete.

You can take the eligibility survey by clicking on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/moodstudyubc

Eligibility: You may be eligible if you are 18+ years old and fluent in English. You must have daily access to a computer.

Location: You can take the eligibility survey by clicking on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/moodstudyubc. If you are eligible for the study, you will be invited to the Part 1 Zoom session.

Contact Information: Please be advised that it may take a few days to process your eligibility. For any outstanding inquiries, please contact our study coordinator with the subject line “Mood and Thinking Study” at moodstudy@psych.ubc.ca.

Reimbursement/Time: You will be compensated $25 for completing the study. You will also receive entries in a cash prize draw for every component of the study that you complete.

Study End Date: Posted May 11, 2023. 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

Adaptation to ozone in individuals with asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB; In-person)

Researcher: Patric Gonçalves (M.Sc), Dr. Michael Koehle (Principal Investigator)
Description: Participants will be asked to exercise on a stationary bike, in our lab, for 30min at a moderate exercise intensity while breathing a controlled and safe level of ozone. Participant will visit our laboratory to exercise for 11 visits in total. After their first 5 consecutive days, participant will come back to the lab to perform another 5 days of the same exercise.

Reach out to us if you have respiratory symptoms during or after exercise but are unsure whether you have asthma or EIB.

Eligibility:

  • Inclusion criteria:
    • 18 – 60 years old
    • Physically active
    • Non-smoker
    • Have been diagnosed or have symptoms of asthma and/or mild exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (we will test you for EIB
    • Able to communicate in English
  • Exclusion criteria:
    • Pregnant or potentially pregnant (risk of ozone exposure for the fetus)
    • Musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limb that could interfere with cycling exercise
    • Cardiorespiratory or vascular diseases other than asthma or EIB
    • Under supplementation with antioxidants, vitamins E or C, antihypertensives, beta-blockers, and other continuous medication for your heart or lungs
    • Using estrogen-based contraceptive methods

Location: Environmental Physiology Laboratory at Medical Sciences Block C (UBC Vancouver), Room 118. 2176 Health Sciences Mall. Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3

Contact Information: Patric Gonçalves –patricog@alumni.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time:

  • $30 per visit ($300 total)
  • Free VO2max test (cardiorespiratory fitness)
  • Free spirometry test (lung function)
  • Free test for exercise-induced asthma (Eucapnic Voluntary Hyperventilation test)

Time:

  • Each visit will last up to 2h
  • Total number of visits: 11
  • Total time commitment: 22h
Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted 2023 Mar 29

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

Examining the Effect of Salbutamol Use in Ozone Air Pollution by People with Asthma and/or EIB

Researchers: Patric Gonçalves (Research coordinator), Ben Stothers (graduate student), Michael Koehle (principal investigator),

Description: We are recruiting individuals with asthma and/or EIB. This study will involve exercising on a stationary bike while breathing in either room air or simulated real-world ozone pollution after taking either salbutamol (inhaler medication) or placebo medication.

Eligibility:

  • Inclusion Criteria:
    • Have asthma and/or EIB (will be tested for on the first day)
    • 18-50 years old
    • Able to exercise on a stationary bike
  • Exclusion Criteria:
    • Smoker
    • Pregnant or potentially pregnant

Location: Room 118 in Medical Sciences Block C. 2176 Health Sciences Mall. Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3

Contact Information: Patric Gonçalves (patricog@student.ubc.ca)

Reimbursement/ Time:

  • Reimbursement
    • 150$ total: The study will involve 5 visits (30$ each).
    • Free VO2max test (aerobic fitness measure).
    • Free Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction test.
    • Free Lung Function testing.
  • Time (roughly 11.5 hours total)
    • 5 visits. The first visit will be roughly 1.5 hours and the next 4 visits will be roughly 2.5 hours

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted Jan 17, 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

Effects of transcranial electrical stimulation on perception and cognition

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 Laboratory of Psychophysics and Cognitive Neuroscience (Kenny Building, Room 3014)
Contact Information: Email Mike Doswell at wardlab (at) 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: Ongoing. Posted Dec 1, 2022

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 Information:  Carolyn.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.

Effect of behavioural tasks on capsaicin-induced secondary hyperalgesia (In-person)

Researcher: Nicole Bailey (MSc student), Dr. John (Kip) Kramer (PI)

Description: Participants will be asked to fill out a demographics survey and three questionnaires (15 minutes in total). Participants will then come to ICORD for a single 90 minute testing session. Pinpricks tests will be conducted to assess mechanical pain perception. Pinpricks will feel sharp but will not pierce skin. Participants will undergo a short behavioural task and have capsaicin cream applied to their forearm. During four 10 minute periods of the experiment, cardiac outcomes will be recorded by a Finometer Pro, which non-invasively monitors cardiac outcomes with an inflatable finger cuff.

Eligibility:

  • English speaking adults between the ages 19 and 45 (inclusive) who are able to provide informed consent.
  • Must be free of chronic pain (pain lasting >3 months) and not taking any psychoactive medication.
  • Cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Must be free of neurological or psychiatric condition (e.g., neuropathic pain, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injury, etc.).
  • Cannot have had previous negative reactions to topical capsaicin application, or have skin disorders or tattoos on the forearm.
  • No alcohol or other drug use in the 24-hours prior to testing.
  • No smoking, vaping, exercising or consuming coffee one hour prior to experimentation.
  • No participation in a previous study that involved a public speech.

Location: Blusson Spinal Cord Centre (818 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9)

Contact Information: Please contact Nicole Bailey at nicoleba@student.ubc.ca or 604-675-8876

Reimbursement/Time: Participants will be asked to come to Blusson Spinal Cord Centre for a 90 minute in-person testing session. Prior to the testing day, participants will be asked to fill out a short demographics form, COVID-19 survey, and 3 short questionnaires on UBC-hosted Qualtrics, which will take 15 minutes total. An honorarium for participation is available.

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted July 26, 2022

Line IT (online)

Researcher: Ronald Rensink (PI), Sherry Wang (Project Leader), Flora Zhi (Project Leader), Olivia Xu, Taina Dauzaker

Description: Are our visual systems smarter than we think? We want to investigate whether changing the global configuration of the display will affect the time it takes to find the target. Participants will complete a visual search task on their computer.

Eligibility:

  • Must be between 18-35 years of age. Please make sure your internet has enough bandwidth to share your screen with us for the duration of the study.

Location: Online (zoom)

Contact Information: Flora Zhi fzhi@student.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time: $10 for approximately 50 minutes of study

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted July 15, 2022

Adaptation to ozone in individuals with asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB; In-person)

Researcher: Patric Gonçalves (M.Sc student), Dr. Michael Koehle (Principal Investigator)

Description: Participants will be asked to exercise on a stationary bike, in our lab, for 30min at a moderate exercise intensity while breathing a controlled and safe level of ozone. Participant will visit our laboratory to exercise for 5 consecutive days. After a period of at least two days, participant will come back to the lab to perform another 5 days of the same exercise. Reach out to us if you have respiratory symptoms during or after exercise but unsure whether you have asthma or EIB.

Eligibility:

  • Inclusion criteria:
    • 18 – 50 years old
    • Physically active
    • Non-smoker
    • Have been diagnosed or have symptoms of asthma and/or mild exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (testing will be performed on the first visit
    • Able to communicate in English
  • Exclusion criteria:
    • Pregnant or potentially pregnant (risk of ozone exposure for the fetus)
    • Musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limb that could interfere with cycling exercise
    • Cardiorespiratory diseases other than asthma or EIB or vascular diseases
    • Under supplementation with antioxidant, vitamins E or C, antihypertensives, beta blockers

Location: Environmental Physiology Laboratory at Medical Sciences Block C (UBC Vancouver), Room 118. 2176 Health Sciences Mall. Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3

Contact Information: Patric Gonçalves -patricog@alumni.ubc.ca

Reimbursement/Time:

  • $30 per visit ($300 total)
  • Free VO2max test (cardiorespiratory fitness)
  • Free spirometry test (lung function)
  • Free test for exercise-induced asthma (Eucapnic Voluntary Hyperventilation test)

Time:

  • Each visit will last up to 2h
  • Total number of visits: 10
  • Total time commitment: 16h

Study End Date: Ongoing. Posted on July 14, 2022

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 Matthew Billet [m.billet@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.