After you have prepared your self for participation and contacted a study of interest, these are the steps of participation. 

1. Initial screening

2. Informed consent 

3. Further screening and/or initial session

4. Study protocol & sessions

5. Final meeting

6. Follow-up(s)  

1. Initial screen: After you have contacted the researcher, they will respond back and set up a time to do an initial screening for the particular study you are interested in.  This is usually done over the phone and sometimes via email. 

The initial screen is where you get a brief explanation of the study, and if you are still interested after the brief explanation, the researcher will ask you a series of questions to see if you are eligible for the study. If you are not eligible, your information will be rid of and not kept on file for privacy reasons. 

2. Informed consent: The researcher will give you an in-depth description of what to expect during the course of the research study.  If you are willing to continue after knowing every detail that is involved, you would sign off on agreeing to participate in that particular study.  Your consent means you understand everything involved including protocol, perceived benefits, discomforts, or risks.  

3. Further screening and/or initial session: If you are eligible for the study and—initially—agree to participate, then you will have your initial session.  This may be at the researcher’s office, a hospital, your home, or even over the computer.  The researcher will gather more information about you and the information collected varies based on what the researchers are studying. 

4. Study protocol & sessions: Sessions and commitment widely vary depending on the type of study you are participating in. The study session could be completed at the initial session where you consent.  Other studies may need you to come back to their location for more sessions.  Some studies require you to follow a protocol on your own.  

Sessions can range from 1 short 45 minutes session to multiple sessions to take home protocols and even overnight stays. 

Generally, the more involved or cumbersome a protocol, the more you will be compensated for your efforts.  

5. Final Session: At your last session, you will meet back up with the researcher and participate in some questionnaires similar to the initial session.  Usually, you will be compensated at this session as well.  

6. Follow-ups: Most studies will follow up with you immediately to receive feedback about the study protocol.  Also, there may be a 6 month or 1 year follow up to investigate if the protocol has made a lasting change in your life.