5. KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE EXPERIMENT
Once you've been accepted, the first thing that you'll probably do is sign a consent form. This is a contract that states:- The procedure and duration of the experiment.
- Possible dangers or side effects.
- Compensation (i.e. how much you'll get paid).
Some of the simple experiments may not provide a full consent form (depending on what the questions are about), but you should always ask about it anyway. Once you sign, you acknowledge that any risks and most of the liability is put on your shoulders if something should happen. Moral: read the consent form very carefully and ask any questions you may have.
After that's taken care of, just listen to the doctor(s) and do what they say. Again, we must reiterate that you're allowed to leave the experiment at any time, for any reason. And if at any time you feel sick, in pain, sprouting wings, etc., speak up immediately.
During interviews or questionnaires, your personal information is EXTREMELY confidential, and your answers will be coded (that is, "hidden") anyway. So pretend you're on Springer and spill those guts.
After it's all over, shout out, "Show me the money!!!" If your compensation is a small amount, you'll probably get cold hard cash; if you're raking in the big bucks, you'll get a check mailed to you. Also, if you had to pay for transportation or anything like that (e.g., taxi, gas, babysitter, etc.), you might get reimbursed, so ask about it. If you took any drugs that might cause drowsiness, you may want to ask a friend to drive you to and from the exam (especially if it's an alcohol trial).
And that's it! You can sleep soundly knowing you've helped future patients… even if that extra head the doctors attached watches infomercials round the clock.
