Participants’ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I participate in a session?

You will be able to see and register for the experiments here. By clicking on a session, you will be able to see details about the experiment (location, duration, minimum payment, etc.) and register for it.

When and how will I be compensated?

You will be offered a minimum compensation for completing the research study. Additional payments depend on session specifics and participants’ choices. Details on the minimum and expected compensation for a particular session will be made explicit in the invitation email. Your payment is made privately, typically through bank transfer. You will be asked for payment details after each session in a special online form. All payments will be made within 24 hours after the end of the research study unless otherwise stated on the invitation.

What if a session be cancelled?

Sessions may be cancelled in advance due to insufficient participants or technical issues. There is no compensation for cancelled sessions.

Why can't I register for sessions with available spots?

You will only be able to register for sessions that are not full and can register for at most one session of each study (though you can participate in multiple studies). To ensure fairness, we determine eligibility in a rotating manner so that every participant has an equal chance to take part in our studies. This means that, at any given time, only a portion of participants can register for available sessions. Additionally, some sessions may require specific participant characteristics.

Can I provide fake information when registering?

No. Incorrect records disqualify you from participation. Leave fields blank if uncomfortable, but providing information increases invitation chances.

How can I cancel my registration?

To cancel your registration, please do so at least 24 hours before the experiment start time (or follow the cancellation period noted in the session details). Simply open the calendar, click on your session, and select the cancellation option if it’s available. If you need to cancel within 24 hours, please email elfe.experiments@ucl.ac.uk for exceptional circumstances.

What if I do not show up?

Please note that if you agree to a session and sign up but do not attend or leave before the end without informing the administrator of a valid reason, you may be restricted from attending future sessions.

How will I know when new sessions are scheduled?

We’ll notify you by email when new sessions are available. You can register for sessions through the calendar on the portal.

What happens if I’m late to a session?

Sessions begin exactly at the time shown on the calendar, and even a brief delay could prevent you from participating. Late arrivals will not be eligible for any payment, so please plan to arrive at the lab 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Why can’t I see certain sessions anymore?

Some studies limit participation to only one session per participant. When you register for a session, other sessions for the same study may no longer be visible to you.

Will I receive a confirmation of my registration? How can I check my scheduled session time?

We do not send specific time confirmations for registrations. If you are successfully registered for a session, it will appear in your calendar here and will be highlighted in green.