PSY 101 Research Requirement

All students in PSY 101 must complete a research participation (RPG) requirement. This requirement helps you experience how psychological research is conducted and strengthens your understanding of course concepts.

You must earn 9 research credits by completing one or both of the following options:

Option 1: Participate in research studies
Sign up for approved psychology studies and earn credit for each session you complete.

Option 2: Write research reports
Submit written reports based on peer-reviewed psychology journal articles. (Follow instructions carefully—partial credit is not given.)

Important Dates: Spring 2026
  • Saturday, 1/24: Prescreening becomes available
  • Monday, 1/26: First research studies are posted
  • Tuesday, 5/5, at 5:00pm: All studies end. No exceptions.

Guides and instructions

These documents explain everything you need to successfully complete the requirement. Please read them carefully.

  • Research Requirement Information: Policies, procedures and step-by-step instructions
  • Sona-Systems Instructions: How to log in, sign up for studies, and track your credits
  • Research Report Instructions: How to complete and format the report option. Credit will not be given for reports that do not follow all guidelines.
Sign up for an experiment
Download: Research Requirement Information
Download: Sona-Systems Instructions
Download: Research Report Instructions

Questions about research reports? Ask your instructor or TA. 

Other questions? Email the RPG Coordinator