tech research studies legit

The 15 Best Sites for Paid Research Studies

Jenni Sisson, Contributor

• Updated September 11, 2023

Paid research studies are somewhat similar to survey sites , but these studies go a lot more in-depth. The marketing company may ask you to keep a diary of your activities for a week or longer, or they may conduct multiple hour-long phone interviews. They’ll also screen your demographic info much more carefully than if you were conducting simple product tests . 

As such, the payout for research studies is much more than for surveys, with between $50 and $100 per hour being common. Read on to find out more about paid research studies, and which ones are worth your time.

Table of Contents

Key Facts About Paid Research Studies

These studies vary in form and topic and sometimes go by different names, like clinical trials, focus groups, shopalongs, user surveys, paid research opportunities and more. In each case, a company or organization hires a market research firm to answer a question. It could be anything from “Which baby food logo do moms prefer?” to “How many Hispanic citizens in Cincinnati have a favorable view of candidate John Doe?” 

The topic of the research determines what kind of study subjects the project requires, so researchers have to gather respondents of specific demographics. If you sign up for the research company’s database and you fit the profile, they will email or call you to participate in the study. In some cases, you can browse research opportunities and apply to the ones you’re most interested in.

Studies can take various forms: an emailed survey, a phone interview, a video chat, an in-person group panel, keeping a diary of certain activities and more. Your honest responses help companies make marketing and product decisions. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pursue this side hustle:

• You won’t qualify for every study, so plan to apply to a lot of them and with multiple marketing companies.
• Answer honestly. Lie on the surveys and the recruiter will likely ban you from the platform permanently.
• Check your email regularly. Paid research studies are usually time-sensitive, and often the first respondents are rewarded for their punctuality.
• Do your homework. Not every company that claims to do research is legit. Some take your info, “disqualify you” for the study, then sell that info to other companies. Check sites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Reddit and Trustpilot to sift out the time wasters and bad actors.
• Check their payment terms. Companies pay in gift cards, cash, or via apps like PayPal. The timeframe of when you’ll be paid varies widely between companies, so read the fine print.

We’ve compiled a list of some popular companies that conduct paid research studies. Some are generalists, while some cater to a specific clientele or demographic. 

#1. User Interviews

In our experience, User Interviews offers a very high payout compared to the time spent. During our test, we earned a net rate of $55 per hour . Most of the payments are in the form of Amazon gift cards rather than cash, though there are occasionally PayPal options.

#2. Respondent

Respondent focuses their recruitment on IT/tech employees, CEOs and other industry professionals. They offer hefty compensation for participants, which can rise to as much as $750 per hour (according to their website). Respondent pays in PayPal only and only allows you to apply to three studies per day.

While the payouts for Respondent studies are high, it can be difficult to qualify for them. Professionals in IT and other technology business roles tend to have an easier time. You can only apply to the B2B studies if you link your work email to your Respondent profile.

We only earned $31 per hour in our Respondent testing , but that still makes this one of the highest-paying market research opportunities we’ve discovered. 

A Reddit user who goes by the screen name sauciestcoconut claims to have made over $2,000 with DScout , noting that their key to success is that they “literally apply to almost every single mission that I might qualify for. I skip the ones that obviously don’t relate to me (about kids or certain occupations) but I submit several applications a day.”

#4. Universities

These are the original source of paid research studies, so if you live near a university, they can be a great option to make some extra cash. They can be trickier to locate, as each department will have its own recruitment methods.

There is no central repository for these studies that we could find, but here is a list of a few major institutions to get you started:

• Carnegie Mellon (offers online research opportunities)
• University of Nebraska
• University of Texas
• University of Colorado

To sign up to be part of the pool of research study participants at your local university, do an internet search for the university’s name and “paid research studies.” Many (though not all) research studies are conducted in person.

Here’s another route to find these opportunities: if you live near a medical research university, ask your doctor if they know of any clinical trials going on that you may qualify for.

#5. Fieldwork

Fieldwork offers focus groups in 13 locations around the U.S. If you don’t live near one, you can join their online database. They especially need doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals for their studies.

After you register with their site, an employee will call or email you when you come up as a match for a study’s requirements. They have a good reputation as a legitimate company, but users say it’s imperative that you answer the phone when they call . Otherwise, they’ll move on to the next qualifying person on their list.

#6. U.S. Government Clinical Trials

The federal government is always looking for people to participate in clinical trials of various medications and treatments, many of which are conducted through the National Institutes of Health.

These studies can be a particularly good option if you suffer from a chronic medical condition, as you may gain access to cutting-edge treatments before they’re widely available. And as a general rule, these trials are safe; although they may not produce the results that the researchers are hoping for, researchers don’t conduct trials that they believe have the potential to cause harm. 

You can find a list of ongoing clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov . This is just a repository for the information; each trial is conducted by a different company, university or organization, and you’ll have to contact each study you’re applying for by phone or email. No compensation information is available on the site, and pay rates vary widely depending on factors such as the required time commitment. 

#7. FocusGroup.com

FocusGroup.com has 16 facilities nationwide where you can participate in face-to-face focus groups and panels. These typically pay well, since there’s more work involved in attending an in-person interview than a phone or internet survey.

This company is now owned by Schlesinger Group (rebranded as SAGO), and the change has caused some operational hiccups. For example, there have been several complaints to the Better Business Bureau of participants not getting paid and receiving poor or no communication from the company. However, most of these issues have reportedly been resolved. 

#8. Rare Patient Voice

Due to the nature of this company’s clientele, it is extremely difficult for them to match people to research studies, as they focus on rare diseases and conditions. That said, if you do qualify (and they list their ongoing studies directly on their site), you are handsomely compensated.

Rare Patient Voice has a good reputation, earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau . Most of the complaints from participants are related to delayed payment due to an investigation on whether the participant sped through the questions too quickly to give a thorough review. 

#9. FindFocusGroups.com

This site doesn’t host paid research studies directly; it’s more like Craigslist for vetted, high-paying focus groups. (That means you’ll have to apply to each study individually.) Focus groups are sorted by city and state, but there are nationwide online groups as well.

The interface of the site is filled with ads, so make sure that when you click on a sign-up link you’re signing up for an individual study, not clicking over to a random advertiser (some of whom make their ads looks like study invitations).

The reputation of FindFocusGroups.com is hard to speak to as the site is just a board that posts the focus groups of various companies.

#10. SIS International

As you might guess from the name, SIS International is one of the few companies on this list that is open to participants around the world. Their research covers a broad range of industries — everything from burgers to butane.

Participants seem to like participating in SIS International’s research. The company has five stars on Trustpilot and many complimentary reviews from former study participants. 

#11. Probe Market Research

Probe Market Research has three focuses: consumer studies, business-to-business research and healthcare. It’s a legit company, though some participants complain of late payments and the inconvenience of getting paid in virtual Visa cards , which can only be used online and expire in 90 days. However, the company has four stars on Yelp and most reviews are positive.

#12. Focus Insite

Though they pay well, several Reddit users note that it’s pretty hard to qualify for these studies . Though the reviews aren’t all bad; for example, Redditor stormborn29 said , “Focus Insite sent me a really nice vacuum to test, and I was paid $200 — plus I got to keep the vacuum.” 

Focus Insite does, however, have a few unresolved BBB complaints regarding the lack of payment to participants . They have an active Facebook page, but the reviews on that page look unrelated to market research or surveys. In other words, this research company appears to be legit, but we still recommend proceeding with caution. 

#13. WatchLab

If you’re curious about the latest WatchLab studies, check out their Facebook page . WatchLab’s website is geared toward companies that employ them, not participants, so you’ll get more information on Facebook. Many studies are related to social media use.

This firm is notorious for taking a long time to pay , and they’ve been dinged by many users for not paying at all. They only have 2.5 stars on Yelp (based on 32 reviews), and most of the complaints are due to nonpayment. 

GLG presents a different type of opportunity than most of the other companies on this list. They do research on big purchasing decisions, recruit expert witnesses for trials and more. They keep a list of industry experts in management, law, finance and other professional fields to interview or consult on special cases or niche studies.

“Consultants” usually have years of industry experience, and often have leadership roles. A handful of other companies do this too; AlphaSights, Guidepoint, Third Bridge and Coleman are a few others. 

The screening required to become a consultant for GLG and other high-paying research firms is extensive, as they only want respondents that have specific credentials. To get selected, veterans in this consulting side gig world recommend being very detailed in your LinkedIn profile, as recruiters for these studies rely heavily on the platform to identify potential participants.

Many studies are geared toward mid to senior-level professionals, and if you’re matched with a study, you can make up to $500 per hour or more.

#15. Recruit + Field

Recruit + Field covers the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They have an impressive list of clients, including Apple, Netflix, Clinique, Spotify and more. This company is somewhere between a GLG (looking for experts) and FieldWork (looking for all walks of life plus healthcare professionals), as they recruit in each of these areas.

Their reputation is fairly good; Recruit + Field has an A- rating on BBB (only 4 complaints, all of which have been answered). 

What About Apex Focus Group?

When we tested Apex Focus Group , we found that the platform offers none of its own paid research studies and uses misleading marketing tactics to get users to sign up for its email list. Once opted in, the company sends affiliate marketing messages to your inbox. Some of those messages contain legit focus group opportunities, but they’re the same focus groups you could find on your own — often by visiting the sites listed above.

Paid Research Study Sites: Summary and Final Thoughts

You won’t qualify for every study, and unfortunately, no amount of hard work will change that. (Plus these companies now have layers of checks and AI algorithms to vet cheating and lying, so don’t try that either). 

Because of this, paid research studies fall squarely in the side-hustle-only camp. For the best return, apply to a number of studies you have a good chance of qualifying for, and quickly respond when you get a call or email from the market research company (as many studies are deadline driven). 

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent looking to make a few bucks during naptime or a senior project manager looking for a good-paying, low-maintenance side gig , paid research studies can be an easy way to make extra money.

Different companies cater to different demographics, and hence, want different research participants. So do your homework on the research company before you sign up to get a better response rate. 

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15 Legitimate Places to Participate in Paid Research Studies

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From testing products and services to sleep and diet studies, here's a list of vetted places you can participate in paid focus groups.

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A few years ago, I got an invitation to attend a research study hosted by a local skincare company. They were launching a new line of products and wanted feedback from 20 to 25 year-old-women with dry skin.

Since I was a new college grad who needed extra cash, I decided to go. They asked me various questions regarding my current skincare regimen, the products I used, and how I felt about them. It only took an hour, and I got a $75 Visa gift card and a few product samples. Not a bad way to kill an hour.

If you like the idea of getting paid to share your opinions, you’re in luck. There are plenty of places that host paid research studies. While the study I did was in-person, there are many online research studies you can do at home.

Websites That Offer Paid Research Studies

You can find online focus groups that’ll pay you for your time and feedback through a variety of websites. Each site has its own requirements and payment structure, so it’s a good idea to explore all the options available.

1. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a survey site that’s been around since 2005. It will pay you to take surveys and express your opinions to big brands who want to improve their products and services. After you answer several questions about yourself and create a profile, the site will match you to surveys that are relevant to you.

Any time you complete a survey, you’ll earn virtual points, which you can redeem for PayPal cash or online gift cards. Most surveys take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, and you can expect to make between 100 to 200 points or $1 to $3 per survey. You won’t have to buy any products or sign up for other websites.

2. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion is a survey panel that partners with large companies who want customer opinions. To join, you’ll enter basic information such as your age and where you live. Then, you’ll take a general household survey where you’ll share details about your lifestyle.

You’ll likely receive survey invitations via email several times a year. The number of points you’ll rack up will depend on the length of the surveys.

While short surveys are typically worth anywhere between 5 and 50 points, you can earn up to 5,000 points with longer ones. One point equals $0.01, and you can cash your points in for PayPal cash or donate them to charity.

Related: 17 Best Places to Take Paid Online Surveys for Money

3. Respondent

Respondent is unique because it organizes one-on-one paid research studies online and in person. You can sign up with your email address or via your Facebook or LinkedIn profile through the site.

Once you do, you’ll fill out some basic personal information such as your name, birthday, and email address. They’ll also ask for demographic details like your gender, ethnicity, and educational background.

After you’ve signed up, you’ll browse all of the “projects” available and details like the pay and how long they take to complete. When you see a project that interests you, you can apply to it through a short questionnaire. You’ll be emailed if the company chooses you for their project.

Most of the projects focus on small business or technology and pay anywhere from $50 to $85 via PayPal for 45 minutes to an hour of your time.

4. FocusGroup.com

FocusGroup.com began in 1988 and offers surveys as well as in-person and online focus groups via phone and webcam. After you create a profile, you’ll be emailed surveys and focus group invitations.

The majority of the site’s surveys and focus groups revolve around health and wellness, pet products, finances, and shopping habits.

You’ll earn between $75 and $150 if you participate in focus groups and points for surveys, which you can apply toward a prepaid Visa debit card. You can cash out 100 points for $1.00.

5. Plaza Research

Plaza Research pays parents, kids, teens, students, doctors, and business professionals to share their opinions on new products and services. It hosts surveys and a variety of in-person focus groups throughout the country.

If you attend a focus group, you’ll likely be asked to try a new product, watch a TV commercial, or discuss your thoughts about future products. To receive survey and focus group invitations, fill out an online form. The form will ask you questions about your education, electronic use, employment, household, pets, and more.

You’ll get an email if you’re a good fit for a survey or focus group. The amount you’ll earn depends on its length and scope. Most participants will earn between $50 and $200, paid via check, for two hours of their time.

Related: How to Get Paid to Write Reviews

6. Mindswarms

You can create an account online or via the Mindswarms mobile app and get paid to answer questions via your smartphone or webcam.

After you apply to a survey that appeals to you, you’ll answer a few targeted questions to make sure you’re a good fit for it. If you are, you’ll answer seven questions and earn about $50. The money will be sent to your PayPal account within 24 hours. You can also redeem your earnings for an Amazon gift card.

7. Fieldwork

Fieldwork has facilitated marketing research studies since 1980. The company hosts in-person focus groups in 11 cities across the U.S. If you don’t live near any of these cities, you can still register for Fieldwork’s national database and participate in online or phone interviews.

To register, fill out an online questionnaire and wait for Fieldwork to call or email you when an opportunity is available. Most in-person focus groups last between one and two hours and can be on random topics such as cereal and video games. Compensation is usually a $75 Visa gift card.

8. User Interviews

User Interviews organizes focus groups in-person, via phone, or video streaming about products, services, and websites. For a chance to participate, create a profile with your birthday, gender, household income, marital status, and education level.

If you find a project that interests you, complete a short screener survey to see if you’re eligible. If you are, you can sign up for the focus group and earn an average of $50/hr. You’ll get paid via check.

9. Brand Institute

Brand Institute is a branding agency that supports healthcare and pharmaceutical companies with their marketing initiatives. You can become a Brand Institute panel member after you fill out a short online registration form. If you qualify for a paid research study, you’ll get an email notification and can participate right away.

Payment depends on the survey you take, and you’re more likely to receive invites for higher-paying surveys if you have a medical background. You can earn between $2 and $30 via check or PayPal. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and others in healthcare report that they receive about four surveys a month.

Engage finds respondents for various market research and usability studies. It offers both in-person focus groups and online discussions for panel members. You can join the healthcare panel if you’re a medical professional or consumer panel if you’re an everyday consumer.

You’ll have to provide information about your income, marital status, education level, and job. Once you do, you’ll receive an email notification whenever you qualify for a study. Most studies cover topics like cars, electronics, food products, music, and medical conditions. They usually pay $50 to $250 via check or PayPal.

Universities that Facilitate Paid Focus Groups

  You can also find paid focus groups at colleges and universities. Many of them offer year-round opportunities and focus on psychology and human behavior. While most of these studies are performed online, a few require that you participate in person.

You don’t have to be a student to participate, and payment is typically in the form of PayPal cash, gift cards, or a check. If you’d like to earn money via college-run focus groups, take a look at the schools near your home. Their websites will likely include details about these types of opportunities.

• Purdue University ( See studies )
• Center for Decision Sciences Columbia Business School ( See studies )
• Northwestern University Department of Psychology ( See studies )
• Harvard University Psychology Study Pool ( See studies )
• MIT Behavioral Research Lab ( See studies )

DollarSprout co-founder Jeff Proctor participated in a six-week research study on high-fat diets at Virginia Tech. During the study, he was compensated with meals and $500.

“It was a great experience but very involved,” he said. “I had to check in every day to get weighed, choose my meals, and get several blood and urine samples taken.”

How to Tell if a Focus Group Opportunity is Legit

Even though many focus group opportunities are legitimate, there are plenty of work-from-home scams out there. If you have to pay to participate or reveal confidential information such as your Social Security number or credit card details, that’s a red flag. Stay away from any focus groups that force you to buy products or services or sign up for other websites.

If you find an opportunity that interests you, do some online research to make sure it’s valid. Check the Better Business Bureau to see its rating and read any complaints. This way you can avoid a situation where you get excited about a focus group and then find out it’s a scam.

A legitimate company will never charge you to attend a focus group or take a survey. In addition, they’ll have a privacy policy that’s prominently displayed on their website and will only email you from a business email account, rather than one from a free service like Gmail or Yahoo.

Related: How One Woman Earns $5,000 per Month as a Surrogate Mother 

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Influence the Future of Technology, Products and Services

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Get Paid to Share your Valuable Opinions

Influence the future of technology, products & services, earn money sharing your valuable opinions on daily-use products, services, and technology..

• Witness technological advancements and product enhancements firsthand.
• Get rewarded for providing your opinions and feedback.
• Stay informed about the latest emerging technology and innovative products

How it works:

Sign Up & Participate

Join our growing community of technology professionals, computer users, gamers, and people like you who participate in research studies such as online surveys, one-on-one interviews, user tests, and more.

Share your feedback and influence future development of the products and services you use every day from technology and productivity apps to online games and tools for developers and educators. There’s something for everyone.

Keep informed about emerging technologies, products, and services. Help others learn by sharing your valuable user experience with the companies designing these products and services.

Participants are paid quickly for each completed research engagement. Payments are sent electronically and can be converted to cash, prepaid cards, gift cards and more.

By registering on the URI Participant Portal , you can select studies that are based on profiles that match your experience and interests. You can choose as many profiles as you wish and may be asked to answer a series of questions in order to be considered for the study. To increase your chances of being chosen to participate, select the profile(s) that fit you best.

Everyone qualifies for consumer studies, there is no prior experience required for these studies.

Studies for people who play console, computer, mobile or VR/AR video games.

Information Workers

If you use productivity software at work such as Microsoft Office Suit e or Google Suite these studies are for you.

Person with a Disability

These studies are intended for people with physical, sensory, or mental conditions or impairments.

Technology Professionals

These studies are for people who are software/devops engineers, data professionals, data scientists, IT professionals, etc.

If you travel for business or pleasure these studies are for you.

Miscellaneous

We also have studies for students, educators, health care workers, seniors, parents, etc.

Our Participants tell us

Get paid to share your opinions.

Influence the future of technology, products and services., refer a friend.

We’re always looking for more people like you! If you know someone who would be interested in participating in a study, please have them sign up in our database!

What to expect when participating

Help center.

The URI Help Center is your place for commonly asked questions regarding participating in research studies, we encourage you to visit the Help Center. 

Remember: URI is testing the product, not you.

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We connect people with leading technology companies to test and give feedback on products like, software, AR/VR, wearables, video games, and video game hardware .

Since we all use technology every day, why not speak up and share your ideas with the folks who make it? Your feedback can make the things we already use better, try out new cool stuff, and even shape how tech will be in the future! Find out how to get your ideas out there.

How it works.

We want to make sure you’re in the right studies for you! The more questions you answer, the better we can match you with opportunities to share your thoughts and get rewards.

Find Studies

Check out some cool studies and fill out a short questionnaire. We’ll check if you’re a good match for the study. If you are, we’ll contact you to join in!

Available Studies

Participate & Rewards

Your feedback can help make existing products better and shape the development of exciting new ones. Plus, by participating, you have the chance to influence how technology shapes our future! You’ll always get a thank-you for your time and ideas. Merchant gift card.  

Refer & Earn

Got a friend who wants to earn cool stuff by trying out new things in research studies? Tell them about us, and you can earn even more after they join! Just remember, you need to be a member to refer someone. So, sign up today and start earning rewards!

Find Legit Tech Research Studies Review & Join as Ideal Participants | Expert Matching Service for

Are you interested in participating in tech research studies? Finding legit studies to join can be a challenging task. With so many opportunities available, it’s essential to ensure that you choose reliable and trustworthy options. That’s where our expert matching service comes in.

At our service, we connect participants with tech research studies that are legit and offer valuable experiences. Whether you’re a technology enthusiast or a user looking to share your opinions, our platform is designed to match you with the right studies.

Joining as an ideal participant in these studies not only allows you to contribute to cutting-edge research but also offers various benefits and compensation. You’ll have the opportunity to share your firsthand experiences, attend in-person or virtual studies, and receive compensation for your time and feedback.

Key Takeaways:

• Utilize our expert matching service to find legit tech research studies to join as a participant.
• Participating in tech research studies allows you to contribute to valuable research in the technology industry.
• Joining as an ideal participant offers benefits such as sharing opinions, attending studies, and receiving compensation.
• Our platform ensures that you are matched with studies that align with your interests and expertise.
• Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of groundbreaking tech research studies!

Exploring Authentic Tech Research Studies Review

When it comes to participating in tech research studies, it’s crucial to explore authentic reviews to ensure a legitimate and reliable experience. By evaluating reviews from real users, you can gain firsthand insights into the technology, company, and overall trustworthiness of the study.

One key aspect to consider is the credibility of the company conducting the research. Look for established and reputable technology research companies with a track record of conducting reliable studies. A high rating from customers and positive reviews can be indicative of a company’s legitimacy and expertise in the field.

To further validate the authenticity of reviews, pay attention to detailed feedback and specific examples provided by users. Genuine reviews often include specific details about the study process, the technology tested, and the overall experience. These firsthand accounts can help you make informed decisions about which studies to join and which companies to trust.

Additionally, consider seeking reviews from diverse sources to get a well-rounded perspective. Look for reviews on reliable platforms and discussion forums where verified users share their experiences. This can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research studies and help you make an informed decision.

Important Factors to Consider when Evaluating Tech Research Studies Reviews:

• The reliability and trustworthiness of the reviewing company
• The rating and feedback provided by customers
• The level of detail and specific examples mentioned in the reviews
• The diversity of sources and perspectives

By exploring authentic tech research studies reviews, you can ensure a reliable and rewarding experience as a participant. Keeping these factors in mind will help you make informed decisions and choose studies that align with your interests and goals.

Joining as a Participant: Application and Registration Process

The process of joining as a participant in tech research studies is straightforward and often begins with an application or registration. By following these steps, you can take advantage of exciting opportunities to contribute to the development of technology and earn rewards for your valuable insights.

1. Find a Reliable Platform

To start, identify a reliable platform that connects participants with tech research studies. Look for platforms that have a strong track record and positive user reviews, ensuring your participation is on a trustworthy and reputable platform.

2. Submitting your Application

Once you have selected a platform, navigate to the application or registration page. Fill out the necessary information, such as your name, contact details, and demographic information. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date contact information so that you can be notified of relevant studies and opportunities.

3. Verify your Details

After submitting your application, you may be required to verify your details. This process helps ensure the authenticity of participants and maintains the integrity of the research. Follow the platform’s instructions to verify your contact information, such as email or phone number, to complete the registration process successfully.

4. Explore available Studies

Once your application is complete, you can begin exploring the available tech research studies. These studies cover a broad range of topics, from user experience testing to product feedback. Consider your interests, availability, and expertise to choose studies that align with your preferences.

5. Contact the Platform or Research Representatives

If you have any questions or need clarification about a specific study or the registration process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the platform or research representatives. They can provide further guidance and address any concerns you may have.

By following these steps, you can join as a participant in tech research studies and become an integral part of shaping the future of technology. Take advantage of this opportunity to contribute your insights, earn rewards, and make a meaningful impact.

Benefits of Participating in Tech Research Studies

Participating in tech research studies offers numerous benefits to individuals. Whether it’s sharing your opinion, attending in-person or virtual studies, or receiving compensation for your time and feedback, there are plenty of advantages to becoming a participant. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

Giving Voice to Your Opinion

As a participant in tech research studies, you have the opportunity to share your valuable opinion. Researchers and companies highly value user feedback, as it helps them improve their products and services. By participating, you become an active contributor, shaping the future of technology.

Attending In-Person or Virtual Studies

Tech research studies can take place both in-person and virtually. In-person studies allow you to interact directly with researchers and other participants, fostering an engaging and collaborative environment. On the other hand, virtual studies provide convenience and flexibility, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your own home. No matter the format, you’ll have the chance to be a part of groundbreaking studies.

Compensation and Rewards

One of the major advantages of participating in tech research studies is the compensation and rewards you can receive. Researchers understand that your time is valuable, and they compensate participants accordingly. Compensation can come in various forms, such as cash rewards, gift cards, or other incentives. By taking part in these studies, you not only contribute your opinion but also receive something in return for your effort.

Here is an example of compensation and rewards for participating in a tech research study:

Note: Compensation and rewards may vary depending on the study and the involved organization.

By participating in tech research studies, you not only have the opportunity to shape the future of technology but also receive compensation and rewards for your valuable insights. It’s a win-win situation that allows you to make a difference while being recognized for your contribution.

Matching Participants with Ideal Studies

When it comes to tech research studies, finding the right participants is crucial for reliable results and meaningful insights. That’s where our expert matching service comes in. We specialize in connecting ideal participants with tech research studies, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for both researchers and participants.

One of the key factors in our matching process is demographic information. Understanding the demographics of participants helps researchers ensure that their studies represent a diverse and representative sample of the target population. By providing reliable demographic data, participants can increase their chances of being selected for studies that align with their profile.

But matching participants goes beyond just demographics. We believe in the importance of participants working alongside researchers during the studies. This collaborative approach allows for a deeper understanding of the technology being researched and allows participants to contribute their expertise and perspectives.

Additionally, we acknowledge the changing landscape of research participation. In-person attendance is not always feasible for everyone. That’s why we also facilitate remote participation options, enabling individuals to contribute to tech research studies from the comfort of their own homes. Remote participation not only expands the pool of potential participants but also offers flexibility and convenience.

Our expert matching service not only benefits participants but also researchers. We understand the challenges researchers face in recruiting suitable participants for their studies. With our service, researchers can streamline the recruitment process and ensure they have reliable participants who can provide valuable insights.

Benefits of our Expert Matching Service

1. Reliable Demographic Matching: Our service takes into account the demographic information provided by participants, ensuring a diverse and representative sample for research studies.

2. Collaborative Approach: Participants have the opportunity to work alongside researchers during the studies, fostering a collaborative environment that results in more meaningful insights.

3. Remote Participation Options: We offer remote participation options, allowing individuals to contribute to tech research studies from anywhere, expanding opportunities for participation.

4. Streamlined Recruitment Process: Researchers can rely on our expert matching service to recruit suitable participants for their studies, saving time and effort in the recruitment process.

By leveraging our expert matching service, both participants and researchers can benefit from a seamless and efficient process. Whether you’re looking to contribute your expertise or in need of reliable participants for your tech research study, our service is here to assist you in finding the perfect match.

Tech Research Studies Review: Companies and Opportunities

When it comes to tech research studies, participants have the unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the largest tech companies in the world. These companies are at the forefront of developing innovative products and conducting extensive market research to better understand user needs and preferences.

By joining these studies, participants gain firsthand experience in testing and providing feedback on new products and technologies. They play a crucial role in shaping the future of the tech industry by sharing their valuable insights and opinions.

Market research companies play a vital role in organizing these studies and connecting participants with relevant opportunities. These research companies ensure that studies are well-designed, collecting accurate data that can drive meaningful changes in product development and marketing strategies.

Participating in tech research studies not only provides an opportunity to contribute to the tech industry but also offers a chance to boost one’s own knowledge and skills. Through these studies, participants gain exposure to the latest advancements, emerging trends, and cutting-edge technologies.

Compensation is another important aspect of tech research studies. Participants are often rewarded for their time and effort in providing feedback and participating in various study activities. Compensation can range from cash incentives, gift cards, or other forms of rewards that ensure participants are appropriately compensated for their contribution.

To give you an idea of the companies involved in tech research studies, here’s a glimpse of some of the largest tech companies that actively seek participants for their studies:

These companies, among others, offer exciting opportunities for participants to be at the forefront of technological advancements. The knowledge gained from participating in these studies can open doors to new career prospects and expand professional horizons.

By participating in tech research studies, individuals not only contribute to the development of new products but also have the chance to shape the technology landscape of the future. It’s an excellent opportunity to stay informed, contribute to the tech industry, and be compensated for your valuable time and insights.

Ensuring Trust and Safety in Tech Research Studies

When it comes to participating in tech research studies, trust and safety are of utmost importance. In this section, we address common questions and provide essential information to help you ensure the legitimacy of studies and protect yourself online.

Common Questions About Legitimacy

Before joining any tech research study, it’s natural to have questions about its legitimacy. Here are some common concerns:

• How can I verify the authenticity of a tech research study?
• Are there any signs of a potential scam?
• What are the measures in place to protect participants?

To address these concerns, it’s essential to consider factors such as the reputation of the research company, customer reviews, and the presence of a valid SSL certificate.

The Importance of a Valid SSL Certificate

One crucial aspect to consider when evaluating the legitimacy of a tech research study is the presence of a valid SSL certificate on the platform you’re using. An SSL certificate ensures that the connection between your device and the website is secure, protecting your personal information from potential threats.

Utilizing Trust Verification Services

To further confirm the trustworthiness of a tech research study, you can utilize trust verification services like ScamAdviser. ScamAdviser provides a trust score for websites, giving you insights into their reputation, reliability, and potential risks. It’s a valuable tool that can help you make informed decisions.

The Better Business Bureau and Platform Guarantee

Another reliable source of information is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB provides ratings and accreditation for businesses, including research companies. A high BBB rating indicates a trustworthy organization. Additionally, many legitimate platforms guarantee the safety and security of their participants. They have robust measures in place to protect your personal data and ensure a safe research environment.

Common Questions About Trust and Safety

To further assist you, we have compiled a list of common questions related to trust and safety in tech research studies:

• How can I protect my personal information while participating in a study?
• What rights do participants have regarding their data?
• What measures are in place to safeguard privacy and confidentiality?
• What recourse do participants have in case of any issues or concerns?

By addressing these questions, you can gain a better understanding of the trust and safety measures in place within tech research studies.

Achieving Trust and Safety

By conducting thorough research, utilizing trust verification services, and ensuring the presence of a valid SSL certificate, you can significantly increase trust and safety within the tech research studies you choose to participate in. Always prioritize your security and be cautious of potential scams or illegitimate opportunities.

Participating in Tech Research Studies: Expectations and Compensation

When participating in tech research studies, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what to expect and how you will be compensated for your time and feedback. There are various forms of payment and compensation available, ensuring that your efforts are valued and rewarded.

One common method of compensation is the opportunity to earn gift cards. These gift cards can be used at popular retailers, allowing you to treat yourself or purchase items you need. Additionally, you may have the option to boost your earnings through platforms like PayPal or bank transfers, where you can quickly and securely receive your compensation.

For participants in cities such as Sofia and Seoul, specific considerations may apply. Depending on the study requirements and demographics, compensation may vary. It’s important to note that different studies have different criteria, and payment may be dependent on factors such as age, occupation, or level of expertise. However, rest assured that your contribution and time will always be valued.

When participating in tech research studies, both attendance and credit hold significance. Timely attendance is crucial to ensure the smooth execution of the study and meaningful insights. Additionally, earning credit for your participation can open up opportunities for future studies and build your reputation within the tech research community.

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Is FocusGroup.com Legit Or Scam? The Truth Behind the Focus Group Survey Website

5 Best Paying Tech Research Studies in 2023

• January 11, 2023

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Why Participate in Paid Technology Studies?

The year is 2022 and you have resolved once again to a new year, a new you! One of those aspects involves paying off a bunch of your debt or building your savings account, but you aren’t exactly sure how you are going to do that. I am going to tell you one possibility you may not have thought about: Tech Research Studies.

There are many Focus Groups out there. Some good, some bad. My job is to helping narrow it down to the 5 Best Paying Tech Research Focus Groups so that you can start participating in these paid research studies they provide.

STUDIES YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN

There are many paid focus groups that specialize in tech research studies in categories such as websites, hardware, and apps. These focus groups can be found on the state level, regional level, and national level. One of the best aspects of these focus groups is that they offer online options so you can participate from anywhere.

How can you start?

Many of these businesses have databases that you can join in order to participate in their focus group studies.

While some studies may be a little bit selective as far as who gets accepted to them, many studies are open to the general public. This could mean an easier time getting selected when you apply. The more you get selected to participate, the more money you stand to make.

ONLINE FOCUS GROUPS THAT ARE WORTH CHECKING OUT

These online focus groups are not ranked, but simply listed for you to review and research to see if one of them may fit your needs. They offer a large volume of studies that pay for your opinions. Feel free to join as many as you are interested in.

YouGov is a large name in the industry. They have a broad range of online research studies available on their site. This means there is a good chance you can find a survey you can participate in regardless of your background or location.

Lifepoints Panel

Life Points Panel is an easy-to-use online survey platform. Once you sign up, you will begin receiving emails with invitations for available studies, usually a few per week.

They pay out in gift cards or cash via PayPal. They even occasionally pay you to test new products.

Respondent boasts one of the highest paying sets of online research studies. Depending on your background you could make anywhere from $100 – $500+ per hour.

Although these studies pay well, they are a bit harder to qualify for and take a good deal of effort. Persistency here is key and will pay off in those higher dollar amounts though if you stick to it.

TOP 5 TECH RESEARCH STUDY COMPANIES

1.     think group austin.

Think Group Austin has been known to not only pay you for your time but provide some of the most innovative tech studies too. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the studies are relatively consistent (meaning frequent options to participate). The customer service is great, and the pay rates are one of the highest in the market. Their site is easy to navigate, and they get you paid quickly.

2.     Media Science

Media Science is a good place to participate in a paid focus groups if you like watching TV, Sporting Events, Movies, or even if you scroll a lot on social media. You likely see a bunch of ads that you may have an opinion on. Media Science wants to hear about these ads you are seeing on your current tech gadgets! The staff is very good at guiding your through the process about the process, and the company has great rating overall. You can only participate once every 60 days, but the studies tend to run in the $30-$40 range and they pay in Visa gift cards.

3.  Lone Star Market Research

Lone Star is a much smaller and newer focus group company. It is centrally located in the heart of Texas. This company pays slightly above market value for their Focus Groups. They also offer a good variety of tech research studies and have a great communication process.

They pay cash within hours after finishing your focus group research and they have a delightfully pleasant staff. Their dozens of reviews are also all very positive. For a new up and coming company, Lone Star Market Research is on the right track.

4.     Tammadge Market Research ,

This one is a smaller tech focus group company has plenty of tech research studies. This company is located in a hip and trendy, up and coming little studio but it gives the feeling of a well-established research company.

The processes they have in place make your user experience feel easy. You may only qualify every 3 months or so, but the quality of interviewer is top notch. They really stick to the topics at hand. You typically get paid anywhere from $75 – $140 depending on the length of the study.

They do a pre-screening interview to make sure they know when to contact you about upcoming studies that make sense for you so as not to waste your time.

5.  Customer Research International

This market Research has multiple offices located all across the United States. Customer Research has clearly been in the tech research business for quite some time. A robust list of studies across several offices make for a greater opportunity for you to be selected. You can earn anywhere from $100 – $300 per week, but some of the staff can be a bit untrained due to many of these offices hiring college students to work there. If you remain patient, the tech research studies here can help you make some extra cash.

Overall, I like the high pay rates and quality customer service offered by Think Group Austin. Speed of payment was also a plus for Think Group, Lonestar Market Research, and Tammadge Market Research. Customer Research International paid decent, but inexperienced staff lost it a few points.

OTHER GREAT FOCUS GROUP COMPANIES

While these companies did not crack the top 5, they were all still reputable enough to get honorable mention. If none of the Top 5 fit your needs, or you were getting impatient hearing back from some of the ranked options, this list may work.

ATI Research

L&e research, autocruitment, black box companies.

Some research companies we deem as “black boxes” simply because they don’t share a lot of information with their participants.. We can’t be sure whether they are active or not, but these were some of the remaining Focus Group Market Research companies that went unverified.

GlaxoSmithKline

Echo market research.

I hope this article inspired you to get out and explore focus groups on tech research studies. There is some great money to be made by participating in research studies and taking surveys. While everybody’s situation is different, we have done enough research to know at least one of these companies should suit your needs. Make sure you sign up for your favorite Focus Group database and Stan’s Gigs newsletter and let us know how your experience was in the comments section.

I am a father to a beautiful baby girl, a husband and a serial gigster 🙂 I live in Toronto, Canada. My claim to fame: I made thousands of dollars from focus groups and surveys over the last 15 years. Studied Marketing in Ryerson Univerity and worked in Marketing and Marketing Research for the last 14 years+ My mission is to educate others how to be successful with side hustles. You can contact my be email or  on Facebook .

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The Hechinger Report

Covering Innovation & Inequality in Education

Ed tech companies promise results, but their claims are often based on shoddy research

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School closures in all 50 states have sent educators and parents alike scrambling to find online learning resources to keep kids busy and productive at home. Website traffic to the homepage for IXL, a popular tool that lets students practice skills across five subjects through online quizzes, spiked in March. Same for Matific, which gives students math practice tailored to their skill level, and Edgenuity, which develops online courses.

All three of these companies try to hook prospective users with claims on their websites about their products’ effectiveness. Matific boasts that its game-based activities are “proven to help increase results by 34 percent.” IXL says its program is “proven effective” and that research “has shown over and over that IXL produces real results.” Edgenuity boasts that the first case study in its long list of “success stories” shows how 10th grade students using its program “demonstrated more than an eightfold increase in pass rates on state math tests.”

These descriptions of education technology research may comfort educators and parents looking for ways to mitigate the devastating effects of lost learning time because of the coronavirus. But they are all misleading.

None of the studies behind IXL’s or Matific’s research claims were designed well enough to offer reliable evidence of their products’ effectiveness, according to a team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University who catalog effective educational programs. And Edgenuity’s boast takes credit for substantial test score gains that preceded the use of its online classes.

A Hechinger Report review found dozens of companies promoting their products’ effectiveness on their websites, in email pitches and in vendor brochures with little or shoddy evidence to support their claims.

Misleading research claims are increasingly common in the world of ed tech. In 2002, federal education law began requiring schools to spend federal dollars on research-based products only. As more schools went online and demand for education software grew, more companies began designing and commissioning their own studies about their products. But with little accountability to make sure companies conduct quality research and describe it accurately, they’ve been free to push the limits as they try to hook principals and administrators.

This problem has only been exacerbated by the coronavirus, as widespread school closures have forced districts to turn to online learning. Many educators have been making quick decisions about what products to lean on as they try to provide remote learning options for students during school closures.

A Hechinger Report review found dozens of companies promoting their products’ effectiveness on their websites, in email pitches and in vendor brochures with little or shoddy evidence to support their claims. Some companies are trying to gain a foothold in a crowded market. Others sell some of the most widely used education software in schools today.

Many companies claim that their products have “dramatic” and “proven” results. In some cases, they tout student growth that their own studies admit is not statistically significant. Others claim their studies found effects that independent evaluators say didn’t exist. Sometimes these companies make hyperbolic claims of effectiveness based on a kernel of truth from one study, even though the results haven’t been reproduced consistently.

The Matific study that found a 34 percent increase in student achievement, for instance, includes a major caveat: “It is not possible to claim whether or how much the use of Matific influenced this outcome as students would be expected to show some growth when exposed to teaching, regardless of what resources are used.”

IXL’s research simply compares state test scores in schools where more than 70 percent of students use their program with state test scores in other schools. This analysis ignores other initiatives happening in those schools and the characteristics of the teachers and students that might influence performance.

And Edgenuity’s boast of contributing to an eightfold increase in state math test pass rates for 10th graders at Altamont High School in Utah is based on measuring growth starting two years before the school introduced Edgenuity rather than just one year before. Over two years of actually using Edgenuity, 11th grade pass rates dropped in the featured school, ninth-grade pass rates fell and then recovered and 10th grade pass rates doubled — a significantly less impressive achievement than the one the company highlights.

Matific did not respond to repeated requests for comment. IXL declined to comment on critiques that its studies weren’t adequately designed to make conclusions about the impact of its program on student test scores. And Edgenuity agreed that it shouldn’t have calculated student growth the way it did, and said it would edit its case study, though at the time of publication the misleading data still topped its list of “success stories.”

When shoddy ed tech research leads educators to believe programs might really help their students, there are consequences for schools as well as taxpayers. Districts spent more than $ 12 billion on ed tech in 2019.

In some places, principals and administrators consider themselves well-equipped to assess research claims, ignore the bunk and choose promising products. But many people making the decisions are not trained in statistics or rigorous study design. They don’t have the skills to assess whether promising findings with one group of students may realistically translate to their own buildings. And, perhaps most importantly, they often don’t have the time or resources to conduct follow-up studies in their own classrooms to assess whether the products paid for with public dollars actually worked.

“We’re spending a ton of money,” said Kathryn Stack, who spent 27 years at the White House Office of Management and Budget and helped design grant programs that award funding based on evidence of effectiveness. “There is a private-sector motive to market and falsely advertise benefits of technology, and it’s really critical that we have better information to make decisions on what our technology investments are.”

Related: Impact funds pour money into ed tech businesses

In 2006, Jefferson County Public Schools, a large Kentucky district that includes the city of Louisville, began using SuccessMaker, a Pearson product designed to supplement reading and math instruction in kindergarten through eighth grade. Between 2009 and 2014, records provided by the district show it spent about $4.7 million on new licenses and maintenance for SuccessMaker. (It was unable to provide records about its earlier purchases.)

Typically within JCPS, school principals get to pick the curriculum materials used in their buildings, but sometimes purchases happen at the district level if administrators find a promising product for the entire system.

SuccessMaker, which at the time boasted on its webpage that it was “proven to work” and designed on “strong bases of both underlying and effectiveness research,” never lived up to that promise. In 2014, the district’s program evaluation department published a study on the reading program’s impact on student learning, as measured by standardized tests. The results were stark.

“When examining the data, there is a clear indication that SuccessMaker Reading is not improving student growth scores for students,” the evaluation said. “In fact, in most cases, there is a statistically significant negative impact when SuccessMaker Reading students are compared to the control group.”

The district stopped buying new licenses for the education software — but only after it had spent millions on a product that didn’t help student learning.

That same school year, Pearson paid for a study of SuccessMaker Reading in kindergarten and first grade. The company said the study found positive effects that were statistically significant, a claim it continues to make on its website, along with this summary of the program: “SuccessMaker has over 50 years of measurable, statistically significant results. No other digital intervention program compares.”

An independent evaluator disagrees.

Robert Slavin, who directs the Center for Research and Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University, started Evidence for ESSA in 2016 to help schools decide if companies meet the evidence standards laid out in the 2015 federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act. The law sets guidelines for three levels of evidence that qualify products to be purchased with federal money: strong, moderate and promising. But companies get to decide for themselves which label best describes their studies.

“Obviously, companies are very eager to have their products be recognized as meeting ‘ESSA Strong,’ ” Slavin said, adding that his group is trying to fill a role he hopes the government will ultimately take on. “We’re doing this because if we weren’t, nobody would be doing it.”

Slavin’s organization tries to fill the gap by offering an independent assessment of the research that companies offer up for their products.

When Slavin’s team reviewed SuccessMaker research, they found that well-designed studies of the education software found no significant positive outcomes.

Slavin said Pearson contested the Evidence for ESSA determination, but a follow-up review by his team returned the same result. “We’ve been back and forth and back and forth with this, but there really was no question,” Slavin said.

Pearson stands behind its findings. “Our conclusion that these intervention programs meet the strong evidence criteria … is based on gold-standard research studies — conducted by an independent third-party evaluator — that found both SuccessMaker Reading and Math produced statistically significant and positive effects on student outcomes,” the company said in a statement.

Yet, SuccessMaker also hasn’t fared well when judged by another evaluator, the federally funded and run What Works Clearinghouse.

“When examining the data, there is a clear indication that SuccessMaker Reading is not improving student growth scores for students.” Jefferson County Public Schools evaluation

Launched in 2002, the What Works Clearinghouse assesses the quality of research about education products and programs. It first did a review of SuccessMaker Reading in 2009 and updated it in 2015 , ultimately concluding that the only Pearson study of the program that met What Works’ threshold for research design showed that the program has “no discernible effects” on fifth and seventh graders’ reading comprehension or fluency. (The Pearson study included positive findings for third graders that the What Works did not evaluate.)

The Hechinger review of dozens of companies identified seven instances of companies giving themselves a better ESSA rating than Slavin’s site and four examples of companies claiming to have research-based evidence of their effectiveness when What Works said they did not. Two other companies tied their products to What Works’ high standards without noting that the organization had not endorsed their research.

Stack, the former Office of Management and Budget employee, said that despite almost 20 years of government attempts to focus on education research, “we’re still in a place where there isn’t a ton of great evidence about what works in education technology. There’s more evidence of what doesn’t work.” In fact, out of 10,654 studies included in the What Works Clearinghouse in mid-April, only 188 — less than 2 percent — concluded that a product had strong or moderate evidence of effectiveness.

Part of the problem is that good ed tech research is difficult to do and takes a lot of time in a quickly moving landscape. Companies need to convince districts to participate. Then they have to provide them with enough support to make sure a product is used correctly, but not so much that they unduly influence the final results. They must also find (and often pay) good researchers to conduct a study.

Related: Don’t ask which ed tech products work, ask why they work

When results make a company’s product look good, there’s little incentive to question them, said Ryan Baker, an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania. “A lot of these companies, it’s a matter of life or death if they get some evidence up on their page,” he said. “No one is trying to be deceitful. [They’re] all kind of out of their depth and all trying to do it cheaply and quickly.”

Many educators have begun to consider it their responsibility to dig deeper than the research claims companies make. In Jefferson County Public Schools, for instance, administrators have changed their approach to picking education software, in part because of pressure from state and federal agencies.

“There is a private-sector motive to market and falsely advertise benefits of technology, and it’s really critical that we have better information to make decisions on what our technology investments are.” Kathryn Stack, former official in the White House Office of Management and Budget

Felicia Cumings Smith, the assistant superintendent for academic services at JCPS, joined the district two years ago, after working in the state department of education and at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (The Gates Foundation is one of the many funders of The Hechinger Report.) Throughout her career she has pushed school and district officials to be smart consumers in the market for education software and technologies. At JCPS, she said things have changed since the district stopped using SuccessMaker. The current practice is to find products that have a proven track record of success with similar student populations.

“People were just selecting programs that didn’t match the children that were sitting in front of them or have any evidence that it would work for the children sitting in front of them,” Cumings Smith said.

JCPS, one of the 35 largest districts in the country, is fortunate to have an internal evaluation department to monitor the effectiveness of products it adopts. Many districts can’t afford that. And even in JCPS, the programs that individual principals choose to bring into their schools get little follow-up evaluation.

A handful of organizations have begun to help schools conduct their own research. Project Evident , Results for America and the Proving Ground all support efforts by schools and districts to study the impact of a given product on their own students’ performance. The ASSISTments E-TRIALS project lets teachers perform independent studies in their classrooms. This practice helps educators better understand if products that seem to work elsewhere are working in their own schools. But these efforts reach relatively few schools nationwide.

Some people say educators shouldn’t shoulder the full responsibility of figuring out what works; that vendors should be held to higher standards of truthfulness in the claims they make about their products.

The Food and Drug Administration, after all, sets limits to what drug and supplement manufacturers can say about their products. So far, ed tech companies have no such watchdog.

“People were just selecting programs that didn’t match the children that were sitting in front of them or have any evidence that it would work for the children sitting in front of them.” Felicia Cumings Smith, assistant superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools, on how schools used to choose ed tech

Sudden school closures have only complicated the problem; as educators rushed to find online options for students at home. “This is such a crisis that people are, quite understandably, throwing into the gap whatever they have available and feel comfortable using,” Slavin said.

Still, Slavin sees an opportunity in the chaos. Educators can use the next several months to examine ed tech research and be ready to use proven strategies — whether they’re education software or not —when schools do reopen, ultimately making them savvier consumers. “Students will catch up, and schools will have a taste of what proven programs can do for them,” he said. “At least, that is my hope.”

This story about education software was produced by  The Hechinger Report , a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter .

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Is Adler Weiner Research Legit? Ways to Make Extra Money & Find Reliable Market Research Firms

Brett Helling is the founder of Gigworker.com. He has been a rideshare driver since early 2012, having completed hundreds of trips for companies including Uber, Lyft, and Postmates.

Since that time, he has expanded his knowledge into the Gigworker site, as well as writing the book Gigworker: Independent Work and the State of the Gig Economy Paperback,  now available on Amazon .

Are you looking at different paid focus groups and trying to navigate which ones are reliable?

You may have come across a certain website that looks too good to be true and is now asking yourself: Is Adler Weiner Research legit?

If you get chosen to participate in a study with them, the company will pay you up to $100 per hour for your thoughts on their products. These product testing gigs are fun and pay great.

Before jumping on to sign up, you should know some important things about the services they offer and what exactly you’ll be doing.

• How Does Adler Weiner Research Work?
• What Types of Studies Does Adler Weiner Research Do?
• What Do I Need to Get Started?
• How Much Money Can I Make, and How Do They Pay?
• Is Adler Weiner Research Legit?
• Is Adler Weiner Research Reliable?
• Is Adler Weiner Research Safe?
• What Reddit Reviewers Liked About Adler Weiner Research
• What Google Reviewers Liked About Adler Weiner Research
• What Reddit Reviewers Are Worried About
• What Google Reviewers Are Worried About
• Adler Weiner Research Quality & Guarantees
• What Customer Service Options Are Available?
• Conclusion: Is Adler Weiner Research Legit?
• Are Paid Surveys Worth It?
• Why Are Focus Groups So Expensive?
• Similar Gigs to Check Out
• Wrapping Up

What Is Adler Weiner Research?

Adler Weiner Research is one of the corporate marketing research firms that businesses hire to help them better their products.

The company looks for consumers like you to participate in paid focus groups or other activities to provide your thoughts. Your opinions are valuable to businesses that want to learn more about how consumers use their products.

If a business is launching a new product or they’re getting poor feedback on an existing product, they need to put money into learning what needs to be changed. Adler Weiner Research offers qualitative market research services to find those answers.

That’s where you come in. You get paid to test products to derive the answers!

To get started, you can go to their website to register as a participant , either as a consumer participant or a healthcare professional.

Consumer participants will do focus groups, shop-alongs, in-depth interviews, and in-home interviews. Meanwhile, medical professional staff will do similar activities but for medical studies.

Once you sign up with them, you’ll be in their database. You’ll be contacted by email or phone, where they’ll screen you and proceed if you’re a good fit.

Most of their studies are at one of their corporate offices in Chicago, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Lincolnwood.

You’ll likely be invited to a meeting in one of their conference rooms with a few other participants. After completing the agreed-upon assignment, you’ll be paid.

Common Questions to Understand

Getting paid up to $100 an hour without any previous focus group experience may seem suspicious.

Funny enough, the lack of experience is where your value is in this. Your fresh eyes and thoughts will be useful to their clients.

These are some common questions about this type of work to help clarify it all for you.

Different market research groups tend to focus on or specialize in different industries.

Adler Weiner Research has been around for over 60 years, so they’re established within the industry and spread their research across a wide variety of topics.

While a majority of their research focuses on technology and healthcare, they do work with businesses from other fields as well, such as:

• Video games
• Electronics
• Paid clinical trials

It’s important to sign up with honesty on your location and information, as that’s how you’ll be selected for the studies.

You may also need transportation for the in-person studies that require you to go to their offices.

For the online surveys or focus groups, you’ll need a video camera on your laptop or cell phone with a strong internet connection to participate. It’s important that you’re in a private area during the call.

It’s necessary to update the information on your profile. Important information like buying a new car or house may qualify you for specific studies.

Adler Weiner Research pays anywhere from $75 to $300 for their studies. These studies last anywhere from a half hour to a few hours.

The payment type varies, but it’ll be discussed before you participate. Sometimes they give cash directly to you, while other times, they give e-gift cards or checks.

Based on our research, Adler Weiner Research is legit. This company started in the 1960s and is well-respected within the industry.

• Federally registered: They are federally registered as a business and can be found in federal tax records.
• Offices: They have four locations with photos and addresses as proof of existence.
• Clear communication: Throughout the whole process, they provide clear communication about what is expected and what you need to do.
• Ample compensation: They compensate their participants well and reliably.

With 60 years of positive reputation behind them, Adler Weiner Research is a reliable company that will be considerate of your time and efforts.

They provide strong customer service, consistent service, and quick responses. Their professional staff will make you feel comfortable quickly, both over the phone and in the office when you visit.

Almost all participants in reviews support that they pay on time and are easy to work with.

Yes, and they have plenty of reviews and businesses that back their work.

If you’re concerned with the invite to their office, you don’t need to be. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles and clear instructions for your focus group study.

What Are Users Saying About Adler Weiner Research?

Participants of Adler Weiner Research’s studies love them. They gave extensive positive reviews that highlight the company’s professionalism and high pay.

Reddit has a variety of posts about Adler Weiner Research, and people have generally enjoyed the work they did with them.

• Fun: The work itself is fun and interesting to participate in. Many people wish they could do them more often!
• Easy parking: Although some of their offices are in the city, they make it clear and easy to find free parking. Otherwise, they will compensate your parking fees.
• Superb staff: The staff is consistently complimented across reviews as being welcoming and kind.
• Comfortable office: Many reviewers complimented the decor and accommodating features of the offices. With drinks and snacks available, you ease into the focus group comfortably.

The general consensus across Google reviews is positive, with people encouraging others to sign up with them.

• Clean and professional: Numerous people complimented the staff’s professionalism and warmth. They’ll provide you with coffee or tea upon your arrival at the office.
• Good pay: For the amount of work required, people feel the pay is high.
• Consideration of time: Participants agree that they’re considerate of your time and won’t run later than needed, even if the group gets started later.

Why Are People Worried About Using Adler Weiner Research?

Adler Weiner Research overall has a mostly positive reputation, but there are still a few complaints.

The negative feedback that continues to surface is from the people who weren’t selected for the studies. Preliminary questioning takes time but doesn’t pay, and those that haven’t been selected over the years find this upsetting.

There were some complaints on Reddit about the experiences the participants had.

• Paper checks: They mostly deal with paper checks, which are mailed to you within 6 weeks. People claim these are annoying to deal with and take a while to receive.
• Mostly in person: While many other companies offer online surveys and focus groups, they primarily do their research in the office.
• Selective: With thousands of people in their database, they are quite selective with who they choose for their groups.

There are a few negative Google reviews, but all of these are from people that have not been selected for any studies. These are the things they had to say:

• Not enough studies: Many participants have had no luck in being picked for a few years.
• Too much preliminary questioning: Some questionnaires are lengthy and annoying to fill out without guaranteed selection or payment.
• Lengthy process: Completing the entire process of registration, the preliminary questionnaire, and the time to get to the office makes it not worth the amount of money that they pay.

The Adler Weiner Research website has minimal information for participants to take besides a link to register and a short news video that explains the work.

It’s highly likely that each study offers its guarantees and paperwork if you’re selected. This information isn’t openly available to those that register to be on the database.

Does Adler Weiner Research Offer Customer Service?

There are extensive compliments of the customer service across the internet for Adler Weiner Research. They offer admirable customer service and are known for their kindness and professionalism.

The best way to reach Adler Weiner Research for general inquiries is through email or phone. For questions on a particular study, it’s best to reach out to the recruiter assigned to it.

Adler Weiner Research is also active on Facebook and frequently posts about their studies. You can directly message the page or comment on their posts with any questions.

Based on the information our team reviewed, Adler Weiner Research is completely legit and trustworthy to work with. With more than 60 years in the industry, they’re trusted by numerous businesses and participants.

Plenty of reviews across numerous platforms back their credibility from people who have done the focus groups. They pay well, and they pay quickly.

If you’re near one of their branches, it’s worthwhile to register with them and see if you get selected for a study.

Frequently Asked Questions

The hourly rate is good but requires quite a bit of work. You’ll need to sign up on the website, take screening surveys to qualify, and transport yourself to an office space.

It’s up to you to decide whether they’re worth it, but consider all aspects before signing up.

Focus groups are expensive because they’re valuable for businesses. The insights that they receive from potential consumers could save them thousands of dollars, if not more. The small investment they make to host focus groups is a drop in the well of their business.

There are many market research groups in the world. Here are some of the other companies you should research before signing up.

• Is Ascendancy Research Legit? : Ascendancy Research does similar work to Adler Weiner Research and is a great secondary company to consider. They do more online surveys that may be accessible if you’re not near an Adler Weiner Research office.
• Is Tech Research Studies Legit? : Tech Research Studies is a Texas-based company that pays well for market research in the technology space. It’s a great company to consider if you enjoy seeing and giving feedback on new technology.
• Is Focus Insite Legit? : Focus Insite is a Pennsylvania-based company with plenty of online surveys and opportunities that are worth looking into. They provide a wide variety but often pay lower amounts than other market research firms.

Market research is an incredible way to make extra money, but it’s not something to rely on for consistent money.

Adler Weiner is a prime example of this, as they pay high rates for the work they offer, but it can be really difficult to get the jobs.

It’s important to understand that they’re selective because they’re providing top-quality service to businesses with the information they gather.

You can’t be offended for not being chosen, as you really don’t know what they’re looking for.

If you’re local to one of the offices in Chicago, Orange County, Los Angeles, or Lincolnwood, it’s a great idea to sign up for their database.

While it’s not guaranteed you’ll be selected, it doesn’t hurt to try, and it might just surprise you with some extra money one day.

If this article helped you feel safer in choosing Adler Weiner Research as a market research company, please share it or comment on your thoughts.

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