Use of Subject Pools for Psychology Research at Peer Institutions

BSC\u27s Psychology Department has developed a human subject research program that serves both faculty and students. Since 2003, the Department has conducted over 40 research studies on various topics including decision making, body image, mate selection, bullying, and addictive behaviors, using a subject pool comprised primarily of Introduction to Psychology students. The Department is currently reviewing the subject pool policy and other program requirements to address the growing demand for both research opportunities and participants. To assist in planning efforts, data were collected from 22 other institutions (MA State Colleges and Universities, and Contractually Official Peer Institutions) regarding the extent and nature of departmental research programs, participant recruitment, use of on-line surveys, and participation tracking. The variety of approaches to human studies research within academia will have broad applicability to programs at BSC, as research becomes increasingly important for student participants, student experimenters, and faculty researchers