PURE/SONA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the psychology undergraduate research experiment (PURE) requirement?
A: Details on the PURE requirement are available at the following link – http://www.wiu.edu/PsychologyResearch/PURE.html

Q: Why does the psychology department have a research requirement?
A: Research is an important aspect of both the undergraduate and graduate majors in Psychology at WIU. Just as in other scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and physics, knowledge in psychology is obtained by conducting carefully designed studies or experiments. Much of what you will be learning in this class represents the findings of previous psychological research. To enhance your knowledge of research and methodology, and its relevance in the critical thinking process, we offer students the opportunity to participate in research in your general education psychology course. The PURE requirement allows for researchers to conduct research while allowing for participants to learn about the research process. Without the PURE requirement researchers would be unable to complete the research that allows students to graduate successfully and the psychology department at WIU to remain competitive with other, larger research institutions.

Q: What is my login ID and password?
A: Your login will be your Western Illinois University email address. If you have forgotten your password you can click the “lost your password” link in the BOTTOM-LEFT corner of the screen and enter your email in order to have it sent to you. If this doesn’t work you may contact an administrator at PsychologyResearch@wiu.edu and they will email it to you manually.

Q: What can I do if I don’t want to participate in research?
A: There are a variety of research alternatives available (detailed in the PURE information page). It is important to refer to the SYLLABUS for your specific class since professors may dictate specific terms or materials for the completion of research alternatives. The PURE requirement must be completed for all students in non-online PSY 100, 221, 250 and 251 but how you complete the required credits is up to you!

Q: I have questions that are hard to explain through an email…what can I do?!
A: An administrator will be holding office hours in Waggoner #111. These hours will be posted on the door of WG 111 and will also be available on the PURE information page.

Q: If I am in two classes with a PURE requirement (100/200 level psych classes) do I need to complete 6 credits for each class?
A: Yes you do. When signing up for studies you will be able to decide which class you want your credits to go toward.

Q: I was in a psychology class last semester so I have already filled out the pre-screen. I want to fill it out again so I can earn the bonus credit but I am unable to. What do I do?!
A: Email the administrators at PsychologyResearch@wiu.edu with the subject “prescreen reset request.” In the email simply state that you would like to have your prescreen reset in order to earn the early prescreen completion bonus credit. It will be reset for you within 48 hours!

Q: What can I do if I signed up for a study and then found out I can’t make it?
A: If you know you can’t make it and it is more than 24 hours prior to your participation you may go into SONA and cancel your sign-up. If it is within 24 hours of your participation you should go to the study information screen and email the researcher in order to let them know.

Q: What if I totally forget to show up for a study I signed up for?
A: Once you no-show twice your account will become restricted to only research alternatives. At this point you will have to rely on only the research alternatives in order to complete your PURE requirements. Please try as hard as you can to show up for studies that you sign up for!

Q: Why can’t I sign up for online studies?
A: If you are unable to sign up for online studies it is probably due to the fact that there is a cap on the number of credits you can earn through online studies. Once you have earned half (50%) of your credits through online studies you will no longer be able to sign up for online studies. You may still sign up for in person research studies or research alternatives.

Q: It shows that I need to complete 26+ credits! Is this correct?!
A: For each 100 or 200 level psychology class you are enrolled in you will be required to complete 6 credits. Extra credits are made available for students in upper division psychology courses (300/400 level) in order to allow them to earn extra credit offered by their instructors (check your syllabus, depends on instructor). Only the credits for the 100/200 level classes are required.

Q: Where can I find written reports for research credit?
A: The written reports for research credit are available in WG 111. They are also available online at the following link: http://www.wiu.edu/PsychologyResearch/Forms.html

Q: What are the research lectures that I may attend and how do I earn credit for them?
A: Colloquia and thesis defense presentations are the two most common lectures that you may attend in order to receive research credit. A colloquia schedule will be posted in various locations around Waggoner Hall and they will also be listed as “studies” on SONA. Thesis defense presentations will be posted 1-2 weeks prior to the thesis defense on the research board in the hallway of Waggoner Hall. Following the lecture you must fill out a written report for research credit and turn it in to WG 111 in order to receive credit.

Q: I participated in a study and/or turned in a written report for research credit and have not received credit yet.
A: It sometimes takes researchers a few days to award credit for participation. If it has been a week and you still haven’t received credit for your participation feel free to email the researchers to remind them or email an administrator at PsychologyResearch@wiu.edu.

Q: I went to Waggoner 111 for something SONA/PURE related (turn in a written report, acquire a written report, read articles) and it was closed! What can I do?
A: Waggoner 111 is only guaranteed to be open when it is staffed. Hours will be posted on the door of WG 111 and available online at the PURE information page (www.wiu.edu/psychologyresearch/PURE.html). Please return during the posted office hours.