Lab induction
Before data collection
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Arrive early (around an hour before the start of your experiment), so you can make sure all
computers work and you have all material ready
Ensure all participants will see the same page on their computer
Write on the board a message reminding your participants not to start until they are asked
to do so
Essential material: sufficient number of receipts (has to have the amount received, name,
student ID, email, date and signature), written instructions, attendance sheet (the person
helping you should bring one), cash – prepared, so it can be easily distributed, stationery
Assign every participant to the specific computer before participants arrive – write all
numbers on a separate sheet, so you know where to send your participants once they arrive
During your data collection
Arrival of Participants
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When participants arrive go outside the lab, welcome them, and tell them you will call their
names (or they can come to you individually) and tell them their computer number; also
emphasise they must not start working on the study until you tell them
After a participant confirms his/her name and is assigned to a computer, tick off their name
Wait 5-10 minutes for the late arrivals, then flip the sheet on the door, so “Experiment in
progress, please do not disturb” is displayed
Once you start reading your instructions, any other late arriving participant should not be
admitted
Reading Instructions
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Once all participants are seated, read the instructions, making sure everyone is listening
Ask for all mobiles to be switched off and give them a minute to double-check their mobiles.
You need to make sure everyone does it
Remind your participants their rights and other ethical considerations (please see the Ethical
Rights document)
Explain the outline of the experiment (e.g. how long it will take, how many sections, how
they can earn money, when they will be paid)
Ask whether there are any questions before the commencement of the experiment; specify
participants can ask you questions during the experiment but they need to do so quietly
(raising their hand)
During the experiment
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If someone needs help, deal with their request quietly without disturbing the others
If any participant is disruptive and/or abusive, you have right to ask him/her to leave
If someone’s computer stops working and you cannot send him/her to another computer or
resolve the problem, apologise, pay them a show-up fee and send them out
If someone finishes early, tell them to wait for the remainder of participants to finish before
they are paid
Paying participants
 Once everyone finishes, give out the receipts and pens (or you can prepare them before the
start) and ask them to fill them in
 Once everyone fills in the receipts, give each person money; make sure you count money in
front of them and they agree before you swop money for their receipt
 Once participants are paid, they can leave
After data collection
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Download your data
Switch off the computers
Tidy up the pens
Count the remainder of money and the receipts (the balance must equal to the requested
amount)
Take a photocopy of all original receipts
Staple the photocopy with the sheet with registered participants and give them to the
person helping you
Tidy up the lab
Switch off the lights
Make sure the door is securely shut