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If you are new to the world of paid market research and usability testing, you might not know that there are three different ways you can take part in paid research studies. Whilst your location is relevant when it comes to focus groups and in-person interviews or product testing, there are other options for people who live outside the big cities where paid research opportunities happen more often.
Keep reading to find out about the three different ways you can take part in paid research and testing. Plus, we share some extra information to make sure your participation is successful and stress-free.
If you browse through the People for Research website – more specifically, the Opportunities page – you will find that, although we list face-to-face paid research studies in other cities, most of our in-person opportunities happen in London, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh. Just to name a few examples, these could be a focus group in London, testing a website in Manchester, or even testing a new game in Bristol.
For some people, taking part in a face-to-face research session is the more interesting option. So, if you are the type of person who thinks “I would like to take part in research near me”, then the People for Research community is perfect for you.
The only thing you need to know about in-person market research or usability testing sessions is that your presence and opinion are extremely important, so if you cannot make it to the session, please let us know in time.
Face-to-face research can include:
• Asking you to attend a research or testing session at an office or testing facility.
This usually happens in the city centre, somewhere easily accessible. You will have all the necessary information beforehand, such as address, phone number, date and time of your session, etc. On most occasions, you will get your cash incentive right after the session, but some researchers prefer bank transfers or vouchers. We will always share this kind of details with you before the research takes place!
• Arranging an interview at your house or workplace.
The fact that the research might take place at your house or workplace is disclosed before the application process, so you always know what to expect.
• Arranging an interview at a café.
Some researchers prefer neutral spaces like cafés to carry out the sessions. Again, this information will be disclosed at the beginning of the process.
The best thing about phone interviews is that everyone can take part, from people living in a remote village to people with low-tech abilities. The interviews can be as short as 20 minutes or as long as one hour, depending on the topic of the study and how many questions the researcher needs to ask. In this case, the participants will usually get their incentive via bank transfer or in the form of a voucher.
Before the session, please make sure People for Research and the researchers have the correct phone number you will be using for your interview. Also, make sure your phone is charged if you are using a mobile and that you have a good connection.
Although some might say that online sessions are not as inclusive as phone interviews – simply because the participants in online studies must have basic tech skills to be able to use a computer and the internet –, they are the best way to test a digital product like a website or an online form without the participant having to meet face-to-face with the researcher. This process allows people from all over the UK to take part in paid testing and research.
You will usually need a desktop or laptop computer with a camera and a microphone to capture image and sound, as well as access to a programme like Skype or GoToMeeting (we will let you know which one the researchers will be using during the session). Make sure your internet connection is working and has the necessary bandwidth to support one of these programmes.
Just like with phone interviews, you will usually get your incentive via bank transfer or as a voucher (sent to your email).
Ready to browse through our Opportunities page? Or maybe you would rather sign up and become part of our community, if you’re not a member yet.