Research PALS

While Penn State is a world leader in research, our rural location makes it difficult to find people to become involved in research. This database was developed to assist researchers in finding participants by providing a central list of local adults in the appropriate age bracket. This will save time and money and help make research easier on both the researcher and the participant.

All the information in the Research PALS database is confidential. Only researchers who have received approval from the Office of Regulatory Compliance will be provided with information from the database. Your information will not be sold or given to any other organization.

Unless you ask to be removed you will be listed in the database.

To change information in the database, give us a call at 814-865-0878.

Some research programs offer money to participants, but others do not. When a researcher calls you to explain the purpose of the study they will also outline the time commitment and compensation costs. As always, it is your choice whether to participate.

In addition to monetary compensation, other forms of compensation may include physical and developmental evaluation. Additionally, many find that participating in research is interesting as it gives insight, and provides a sense of satisfaction for having contributed to important advances in scientific knowledge.

The time involved varies greatly depending on the individual research project. One study may involve a single meeting lasting less than one hour to several meetings over several years. The time commitment is always clearly outlined before you agree to participate and your participation is always voluntary. You may stop at any time (even part way through a study if you are no longer interested in continuing).

When you will be contacted depends on which research projects are currently recruiting volunteers. Depending on the ages and criteria of adults being recruited, it could be a week after you sign up to several months (or possibly never). We try very hard not to overburden you by calling too often. When you are contacted, you will be given the option to not be called for a period of time of your choosing.

No, you are not committed to participate in any research and may say no to any particular research request. Your willingness to be in the database means that you are available to be asked. Which research projects and how many you agree to participate in are entirely up to you.
 

No! All research projects are reviewed by the University Institutional Review Board to make certain that they meet legal and ethical guidelines, which include the safety and well-being of research volunteers.
 

We hope that you talk to your friends and neighbors about the Research PALS project and encourage them to sign up. However, only those particular individuals can sign themselves up.