Specialized participant groups: What you need to know
Joining one of our specialized participant groups is an exciting opportunity to access studies that require deeper engagement and expertise. This guide explains everything you need to know about joining one of these groups, and how they work.
Important note: We regularly update this article as we add new specialized participant groups and opportunities for both participants and researchers. Please check back for the latest updates!
What is a specialized participant group?
Specialized participant groups are exclusive groups of Prolific participants selected for their unique skills or experience, which are valuable for specific research. For example, participants in these groups might have subject matter expertise or a proven ability to excel in technical, demanding, or highly specific study types.
By agreeing to our Specialized Participant Terms, you’ll be eligible for studies specifically designed for this group, which we call Specialized Participant Studies.
You won’t lose access to other Prolific studies by joining. Instead, your opportunities will expand to include these exclusive studies.
What specialized participant groups does Prolific have?
Currently, Prolific has one specialized participant group called AI taskers.
AI taskers are participants with demonstrated skills in AI evaluation and training tasks. They’ve passed the AI Task Assessment and are eligible for exclusive AI studies that require particular expertise.
Looking ahead, we plan to introduce more specialized participant groups to meet a broader range of research needs. This expansion will provide additional earning opportunities for participants with varying skills and interests.
What are specialized participant studies?
Specialized participant studies differ from standard studies in several ways:
- Length and duration: These studies may be longer or span multiple sessions over time.
- Engagement and skills: They might require more active participation, input, or a particular skill set.
- Pre-screening and pilots: You may need to complete a pre-screening test or participate in a pilot study to determine your eligibility.
These differences reflect the in-depth nature of these studies, giving you the chance to contribute to more complex and meaningful research, while earning even more.
What does this mean for you?
- Agreeing to the Terms:
You’ll need to accept the Specialized Participant Terms to access these studies. Right now, these terms are being rolled out to a pre-selected group of participants, but we plan to make them available more broadly soon. - Increased study opportunities:
Specialized Participant Studies will appear in addition to the regular studies on your dashboard. These studies will be clearly labeled, so you’ll always know when you’re taking part in one. - Familiar participation process:
While these studies may differ in complexity, the process for participating remains the same:- You’ll always be compensated fairly for your time.
- Participation is voluntary.
- You can manage your submissions via your Prolific dashboard.
What happens if I’m not eligible for a specialized study?
Some specialized participant studies have specific requirements, such as a screening test or pilot study. If you don’t qualify, don’t worry—you’ll still have full access to all other studies on Prolific.