Get Involved

Behavioural research is the analysis and investigation of human behaviour through observation and scientific experimentation. Studies are often conducted on team dynamics, leadership, decision making, creativity, consumer choice, incentives and behavioural game theory. To carry out these studies, researchers recruit students or members of the general public to participate in computer exercises, surveys, or group activities. 

The field of psychology has long relied on laboratory research and, as scholars explore the psychological aspects of organisational behaviour and decision making, they have begun to see the advantages of using laboratory methods. With its researcher controlled environment, lab research is an important complement to field research. 

The first step is to register to our online participant database, Sona. Please note that each institution has its own Sona database, so even if you have a Sona account with a different institution, you will need to make a new one to participate with the LSE. 

Once you request an account and have your request approved, you will be asked to fill out a very short form with basic demographic information and agree to our Lab code of conduct. When your profile is complete, you will be able to browse posted studies and sign up! 

You will usually be paid £6.50 for any studies that last up to 30 minutes, and £13 for studies that last up to an hour. On occasion, a study may involve an additional financial reward or prize draw, which you will be notified of when the study is advertised. Please note our studies pay predominantly in Amazon e-vouchers, and the form of compensation will be specified on the study posting. Payment is typically received within one week of the date of participation via email.

This depends on the study being carried out. Tasks could involve completing an online survey, being asked for your opinion, taking part in a group activity or playing a computer based game. The study description on Sona gives more information on the experiment contents. 

Many of our studies are reliant on participants being on time. In cases where a group is required to work together the study may be delayed or even cancelled if one person is not present. Some studies only have short time slots and it may not be possible to fit in a participant who is not available at their allotted time.  

If you do find yourself running late, please let us know by emailing us at bl@lse.ac.uk or by calling the BL reception on 020 7955 6059. Staff will let you know the study setup and what the potential solutions can be. 

Please note that repeated lateness will result in removal from the Sona database.

Please notify us that you cannot attend as soon as possible. Not only will it give someone else the chance to sign-up, but it also ensures the researcher has enough participants to effectively run the study. 

You can cancel your place using the sign-up system (if more than 24 hours before the start of your slot), or if you are having trouble you can email us at bl@lse.ac.uk. 

Please note that if you do not show up and have given no notice, you will automatically be marked as an 'unexcused no-show' by the system. This will prevent you from taking part in any further studies. 

Please report to reception, which is on the left-hand side of the lab as you enter. When you sign up for a slot you will have been emailed a unique ID number which will be used to identify you during the study. You will be asked for this number to mark your attendance. While waiting for the study to begin you can sit in the reception area, or if it is particularly busy, a member of the Lab team may direct you to an alternative waiting area. 

When ready, the researcher will then give you a quick briefing and take you into the lab to conduct the study. Please turn your phone off before entering the main lab. 

In addition to taking part as a participant, we occasionally require volunteer research assistants. If you are interested in hearing about these opportunities please fill out this form. 

Once we have this information, we can pass your details onto any researchers looking for research assistants for upcoming studies. They will then get in touch with you directly if they feel you might be suitable for their study. 

Our researchers come from different parts of LSE and cover different academic areas, and usually bring along their own research assistants. If you want to assist in conducting research in-lab, it may be more effective to identify faculty members working in your chosen field of interest and approach them directly to offer your services. 

The BL does not recruit paid staff. 

Please reach out to the Lab Manager at bl@lse.ac.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!