If you like the basic concept of taking surveys for money, but want to take it to the next level and earn more, you may want to consider participating in paid online research studies and online focus groups.
There are many types of paid research studies, but most fall more broadly into two main categories: medical and psychological. Some studies, particularly medical ones, require traveling to a specific location, but nowadays, a significant number of psychological studies are carried out remotely!
Most studies don’t require a lot of time—perhaps a few hours a week for a short time, or even just one afternoon—but the pay can be quite good. Earning $50 to $100 an hour isn’t uncommon, and many universities transfer funds for distance learning through PayPal, so it’s usually pretty easy to get your money.
Before entering the list, be sure to subscribe to my work at home email updates here! These are free, and you’ll find new information about remote jobs and more in every email. And my e-books you can see here are a good alternative to this if you just want one-off information rather than regular updates in your inbox.
How to participate in research studies
It’s quite simple. From the list below, simply click on the links for the panel(s) you would like to join.
Usually, you will need to create an account and then confirm your details.
After that, you can simply log in and see what research studies or focus groups are available to try. Sometimes these places will send you emails with opportunities, but I recommend logging in daily to check in case they don’t.
Where to get paid for research studies online
Below, we’ve compiled a list of universities and other companies that frequently seek paid research participants, most of which have easily accessible online study registration forms. But remember, just because you signed up doesn’t mean you’ll be selected.
1 – Respondent
This company conducts online studies for various industry professionals. You can take studies anywhere in the world, and many of them pay more than $100. Payments are made via Paypal. You’re not going to be selected for every study you try to qualify for, but getting accepted once a month would be enough to earn some extra money here. We therefore recommend this site!
Go here to contact the defendant, or read our Respondent Review.
2 – User interviews
This company regularly carries out various studies. They are hosted by large companies and their goal is to help influence the products and services of tomorrow. You can usually earn between $50 and $100 (or more) for the time you put in. Most studies are conducted online and the amount you earn depends on the complexity and length of the study. Another one very similar to Respondent (above) that we highly recommend!
Go here to participate in user interviews or read our Review of user interviews.
Panel 3 – 20|20
This sign has been around for years and years! They are definitely legit and most of their studies pay you between $50 and $150 for participating. Although I have never been selected for anything here, I know someone who was and that person enjoyed the experience and got paid promptly. It’s more of a market research focus group, mainly asking you questions about brands.
You can read our 20|20 Review by committeeOr go here to register.
4 – Carnegie Mellon University
According to the participant registration page, “For online studies, participants will typically be paid via online gift cards within one to two weeks after the study closes. Payment typically averages about $8 per hour for online studies, or participants may enter a lottery for a chance to win a larger prize.”
Among the panels offering paid academic research studies, this one has one of the simplest signup pages.
Go here to enroll at Carnegie Mellon University.
5 – Colombia Business School
According to the website, the average payment rate is $16/hour. Most studies last 15 to 45 minutes, so a typical payment can be between $5 and $12.
Go here to enroll at Columbia Business School.
6 – eLab at the Yale School of Management
Yale School of Management eLab – In exchange for participating in their studies, you enter sweepstakes and may also receive Amazon vouchers.
Most of their studies take place in person, but some can sometimes be conducted online.
Go here to register for eLab.
7 – Johnson Cornell University
All studies pay by cash, online money transfer, gift card or lottery.
Go here to register with Johnson Cornell.
8 – Kellogg School of Management
Online studies can earn up to $17/hour and virtual studies up to $20-25. Payment can be in the form of an Amazon gift card.
Go here to register at the Kellogg School of Management.
9 – Kent State University Psychology Research
Kent State University Psychology Research – Anyone can get paid for online research studies with Kent State. Most of them will be paid psychology studies.
Go here to register with Kent State.
10 – MIT Behavioral Research Laboratory
You can participate in psychological research studies online with MIT. Participants are usually paid in cash or gift certificates. See individual study descriptions for specific payment amounts. Depending on the site, you’ll typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour for online studies.
Go here to enroll in the MIT Behavioral Research Lab.
11 – University of Colorado Boulder
They have several research studies open at any time that you can participate in. Many can be completed online. However, it’s not entirely clear whether you need to be a local resident to complete them. Payment methods vary, but it appears that Amazon and Visa gift cards are common.
Go here to enroll at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
12 – WITH Agelab
You must first create an account to be a research volunteer, then they will contact you about current studies, including qualifications to participate and compensation offered.
Go here to register at MIT Agelab.
13 – Field work
This company offers focus groups that you can participate in in person, in different locations across the United States. There is one in most major cities. You can earn around $75 for your time.
Go here to register for Fieldwork.
14 – Focus group
This is a Schlesinger panel that conducts focus groups on products and services you may be using. There are opportunities to participate in focus groups online, in person and by telephone. Focus Group will pay you in rewards points that you can redeem for Visa debit cards.
Go here to register with Focus Group.
15 – Rare voice of a patient
This site offers numerous research studies in the medical field. Most of them pay you $100 if you qualify. Most of these focus groups appear to be conducted over the telephone.
Go here to sign up for Rare Patient Voice.
16 – FocusGroups.org
This company does not organize newsgroups itself, but rather lists those that are open and available through other companies. I’ve heard good things about being a member here if you’re actively looking for studies to participate in, so be sure to sign up with them if you want to do this regularly. FocusGroups.org is definitely legit and we recommend creating an account here.
Go here to register on FocusGroups.org.
Tips for Success with Online Research Studies
The first thing to keep in mind if you want to participate in research studies and get paid is that it won’t make you rich or replace your day job.
That said, you can make a lot of extra money doing this. Much more than you can earn with survey panels, rewards sitesand other types of secondary employees.
If you want to be successful and make as much money as possible (potentially hundreds more per month), I recommend:
- Stay up to date with available studies. Check these sites every day to see what you can try to qualify for.
- Completely fill out your profiles on these sites. The more these panels know about you, your demographics, and your specific preferences, the more likely there will be studies for which you are a good match.
- Don’t be a flake. If you are accepted to participate in a study, go ahead and complete the phone call, online survey, or in-person interview as you said you would. You won’t get paid if you don’t actually do what you say you do.
- Don’t let yourself be scammed! Although the opportunities I listed above are legitimate, you can find many online that are not. If something doesn’t suit you, don’t sign up.
In conclusion
I hope you found the list above useful if you are interested in volunteering for research studies. Keep in mind that you may have to enroll in a certain number of studies to get selected, but if you’re interested enough to stay persistent, your efforts will likely pay off in the end.
Good luck!
Anna Thurman is a work-from-home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. His findings are published weekly here on Real Ways to Earn.
