Thank you for contributing to research on our platform! We want to ensure you are fairly compensated for your time. This guide explains why you might sometimes receive a different completion code and what it means for your payment.
Why did I receive a different completion code?
Occasionally, a researcher designs a study where not everyone will complete the full session. You might be given a different completion code if you:
- Do not pass an initial understanding or attention check designed to ensure data quality
- Do not meet specific criteria in a screening question within the study itself (for example, the study is for cat owners and you indicate you do not own a cat)
This is a normal part of the research process and is not a penalty.
What happens next?
When you submit a study with one of these alternate completion codes, one of two things will happen:
1. You will receive a partial payment
The researcher will see the different code and, while the base payment might initially appear as zero, they will add a bonus to compensate you for the time you spent. The researcher will then approve this partial payment.
2. The researcher will ask you to "Return" the submission
A Return is a no-fault way to exit a study. It frees up your spot for another participant and does not negatively affect your account or score on our platform.
💡 Pro Tip
If you're unsure about your payment status, you can always check the payment changelog on the study page to see the final approved amount and any updates from the researcher.
What if I was Rejected?
You should only be rejected if you did not follow study instructions in good faith. Valid reasons for rejection include:
- Letting the study timer run out (timeout)
- Not completing the study requirements
- Using AI tools or bots to generate answers
- Providing nonsensical or bad-faith responses
If you believe you were Rejected simply because you were screened out of a study or didn't pass an understanding check, please use the "Contact Researcher" button for that submission. Politely explain the situation and ask them to reverse the rejection and change it to a Return.
Important Note
Researchers are encouraged not to use rejections for screen-outs or failed understanding checks. If you were screened out or didn't pass an understanding check, you should be offered either a partial payment or the option to return the submission.
We value your time and effort, and these processes are in place to ensure you are treated fairly while maintaining high-quality data for researchers.