Research Participants Needed

Researchers at The University of Alabama seek participants in studies. Brief descriptions of active projects in need of volunteers are provided along with contact information.

Young Black Women Needed for Study

A UA researcher in the College of Education seeks Black women aged 21-26 years who have had childhood/adolescent experiences in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems to participate in a study. The purpose of the study is to examine young women’s experiences as it relates to decisions made by providers that resulted in their temporary or permanent removal from their homes and to help those working in or navigating the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Express your interest through this survey link. For questions contact jones100@crimson.ua.edu.

Adults with Autism Needed for Study

Researchers in the department of communicative disorders seek adults aged 18-45 with autism for an EEG study.  Participants will get to see their brainwaves as recorded by an EEG cap and receive $25. Participants will chat, informally, to another person also wearing an EEG cap, and fill out three page-long questionnaires. Participants must speak English as a first language and have a confirmed autism diagnosis. If you’re interested, fill out the online form. 

Participate in a Groundbreaking Study on Self-Driving Cars and AI

Researchers in the department of educational psychology are conducting an innovative study exploring the interaction between moral reasoning and artificial intelligence in the context of self-driving cars. This research is crucial for shaping the future of autonomous vehicles and their integration into our daily lives. To participate, complete this brief survey (takes around 30 minutes). Your responses will be kept confidential. Your input is invaluable and your time is greatly appreciated.

Adults Needed for Sleep Study

African American and Caucasian adults aged 40 to 70 are needed to participate in a sleep research study. Participants will come to the sleep laboratory at The University of Alabama for a visit lasting about 2 to 2.5 hours, and then be sent home with a sleep monitor. After one week, participants will return the monitor to the laboratory and receive a personalized sleep report. Participants will be compensated up to $75. You may be eligible if you: are between 40 and 70 years old, can speak and write English, can sign a written informed consent, and are not currently pregnant. To be considered for participation, or to get more information, contact the researchers at capstonesleeplab@ua.edu or visit the Capstone Sleep Lab website.

Study on Post-stillbirth Support Needs Participants

A study in the College of Nursing is recruiting Black mothers who have lost a baby to stillbirth within the past five years. The study’s goal is to learn how Black mothers coped with their stillbirths to help develop better support systems for other Black mothers after stillbirth. Participants will complete a private, one-hour interview and receive a $40 gift card for participating. To learn more, contact Dr. Carrie Henry at cjhenry3@ua.edu or complete the interest form.

Adults Needed for Study on Self-Driving Cars and AI

Participants are needed to complete a survey for a study exploring the interaction between moral reasoning and artificial intelligence in the context of self-driving cars. There is no compensation for participating. However, your participation will contribute significantly to the understanding of public perceptions and ethical considerations in AI development.

Individuals in Second Trimester of Pregnancy Needed

Would you like to help researchers learn more about how children’s brains develop and positively impact future generations of children in our community? Information learned from the HEALthy Brain and Child Development study will help families and society better understand how growing children are affected by their experiences and environment. All assessments in the study are free. In the first year there will be three to four in-person visits. After the first year, there are an average of one to two visits with some being in person and some being remote. Visits range from 2.5 hours to 8 hours and are compensated at an average of $40 per hour.

Study Assessments Include:

• Different types of pictures of the child’s brain through EEG and MRI’s
• Growth measurements
• Specimen samples from both birth parent and child
• Medical and family history surveys
• Play assessments starting when the child is 3-9 months old.

To learn more or participate, complete the online form.

Siblings Needed for Learning Study

This study by the Bama Baby Lab looks at how siblings play, interact and learn. Researchers will visit participants’ homes to record siblings and caretakers as they go about their usual daily routine for three hours. The visit lasts about 3.5 hours, and you will receive a $100 gift card at the end of the session.

Participant requirements: 

• Primary language must be English or Spanish. 
• Younger sibling must be over 12 months. 
• Older sibling must be younger than 10 years. 
• The age gap between the siblings should be 5 years or fewer. 

All information will be kept confidential. If interested, fill out the form. To learn more, contact bamababylab@gmail.com or 205-348-4257.

Adults Needed for Emotional Response Study

Participants aged 18-55 are needed for a study examining emotional responses to daily life events. Participants will meet with the research team virtually, complete an introductory questionnaire, complete tasks on a computer during an in-person lab session, and take brief surveys on their smartphones five times per day for two weeks. Participants can earn up to $200. Learn more and see if you’re eligible to participate.

Children Needed for Learning Studies

The Bama Baby Lab studies how infants and children learn. There are multiple ongoing studies for infants and children ages 10 months to 4 years. Participants attend a 2-hour long session at The University of Alabama. Researchers will observe how your child plays and learns words. You will receive $50 for participation. All information will be kept confidential. If interested, fill out the form. To learn more contact bamababylab@gmail.com or 205-348-4257.

MRI Study on Exercise and Learning Seeks Participants

UA researchers are conducting an MRI study to inform our understanding of the potential for exercise to help individuals with clinical anxiety and trauma-related disorders. In this study, the researchers are interested in determining whether an acute bout of aerobic exercise enhances specific learning processes. Participants will be compensated $200 for completing study procedures, which will take a total of six to seven hours over four visits. Participants must have been exposed to interpersonal violence (i.e., physical and/or sexual assault) and be currently experiencing PTSD symptoms. For details on study procedures and to see if you’re eligible, contact the UA Exercise Psychology Lab at ua.expsych.mri@gmail.com and include some dates/times and a good phone number where you can be reached to discuss the study and go through the phone screen.

Children, Young Adults Needed for Research Studies

Researchers with the Center for Youth Development and Intervention at The University of Alabama are conducting several research studies seeking child, teen and young adult participants. They include:

Clinical trial for children 6-11 with behavior issues

This study evaluates a new computerized treatment for children ages 6-11 with certain difficulties, including low empathy or concern for others that can put them at risk for developing behavioral problems. The therapy is called FAST: Facial Affect Sensitivity Training for Young Children. Participants will be randomized to either receive the new treatment or a control program. The program is free. Families will be paid up to $600 for finishing the study in either group. For more information, please visit the study’s information and screening webpage or contact coordinator Dr. Nicole Powell at cydi@ua.edu.

Study on link between emotions and facial expressions

Children ages 6-11 are needed for a study on how they understand emotions through facial expression. Participation includes one study session at UA for about 3 hours along with computer tasks completed by children and a questionnaire completed by parents and children. Families can earn $85 for completing the study. For eligibility, contact cydi@ua.edu or call 205-348-3534.

Sleep Study Seeks African American, White Adults

African American and white adults ages 40 to 70 are needed to participate in a sleep research study within the UA Department of Psychology. Each person will come to the campus sleep laboratory for 2.5 to 3 hours, and then be sent home with a sleep monitor. After one week, participants will return the monitor to receive a personalized sleep report. Participants can be paid up to $75. For more information visit the Capstone Sleep Lab or email capstonesleeplab@gmail.com. 

Study of transition support program seeks young people with autism spectrum disorder

People with autism spectrum disorder aged 16-25 and a parent or informant are needed for an up to 18-week study testing the impact of the Stepped Transition to Employment and Postsecondary Education Success program, which is designed to support transition to growing independence among autistic adolescents and young adults. STEPS is highly individualized to meet the unique needs of each person. If found eligible, the individual would be randomly assigned to get either STEPS or community-based services. Participants can earn up to $240 for completion of study requirements. Contact abmcclain@ua.edu if interested or visit its webpage.

Study on Relationship of Sleep, Weight Seeks Male Participants 200+ Pounds

A study led by health science researchers seeks 65 participants, especially males weighing over 200 pounds, for a one-week sleep study investigating the relationship between body composition and sleep and their role in developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The study includes the collection of health data in the lab and a sleep study and assessment with provided Fitbits at home. Study participants will receive a $200 gift card and results from all cardiovascular and metabolic tests conducted. For more information on the study and to sign up, visit uasleepstudy.com.

Teens, Caregivers Wanted for Sleep Study

To learn more about the sleep health of high school students, researchers in the UA Department of Psychology seek participants aged 14-17 along with their families for the Teen Sleep Health Study. This study can be completed via mail or online from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Adolescents who complete both parts of the study can receive up to $63, and their parent can receive up to $48. Those interested in participating and learning more can email the researchers at sleephealth@ua.edu as well as call or text at 205-523-5520.