Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many credits do I need to complete for my research credit?
A: You need to complete 3 hours worth of Psychology research for full credit.
Q: So does that mean 3 studies?
A: No, this means 3 hours of studies. If you participate in 2 studies that are ½ hour long each, it would count for 1 credit.
Q: Can I track my credit?
A: Yes! Go to the subject pool Moodle site and check the grade book. The link is on the left-hand side of the page.
Q: Why can’t I log into the electronic sign up sheet?
A: Perhaps you are not signed in with your St. Olaf email address. Log out of your other mail program and log in with your St. Olaf email address to get access.
Q: Why can’t I use my private Gmail account to sign up?
A: Because, Freudismyhomeboy57@gmain.com, we cannot guarantee security of access to addresses outside of the St. Olaf domain space. It’s a privacy thing.
Q: Why can’t all studies appear at the same time?
A: Because they are being designed and conducted as a part of classes, student independent research projects, and faculty research programs. We all have demands on our time throughout the term just like you do, so it may take us some time to get the experiments up and running. Also, we require all studies to go through the IRB review protocols that the College has established for human research, which also takes time.
Q: Are all studies IRB approved?
A: Yes, before any study can recruit, they must demonstrate that they have gone through the appropriate IRB review as mandated by the College. We take this very seriously for your safety as a participant, and to train future researchers the right way.
Q: Do I have to participate?
A: No, if you do not feel comfortable participating in research studies, there are alternative options that you can complete instead. We feel that the research exposure is beneficial though, and are happy to discuss any concerns you may have.
Q: What should I do if the researchers do not treat me with respect?
A: Email us right away (subject-pool-admin@stolaf.edu). We take our commitment to the research process very seriously when training students in Psychological Science. If a researcher does not uphold their end of the research agreement, then we will intervene. I will not hesitate to use all of the resources available to me to make sure your rights as a participant are protected.
Q: Why can’t we do our own studies?
A: “Patience young Padawan. Much training there is before ready you are.” We like the way you are thinking though, and would be happy to recommend other courses (like PSYCH 230: Research Methods in Psychology) that could help prepare you to do your own research. To learn more, you can talk to any Psychology faculty member and check out Conducting Research With St. Olaf Psychology Faculty and Doing Research at Other Institutions.