Specialized studies are opportunities designed for participants with particular skills or experience. This guide explains what they are, how they work, and how you might become eligible.
What are specialized studies?
Some research requires participants with very specific expertise, training, or demographic characteristics that aren't easy to find through standard prescreening. Specialized studies are built around these requirements — participants are selected based on the particular criteria each study needs.
Participants may be selected through a variety of routes — including targeted recruitment, assessments, or project-specific selection. Depending on the project, you may or may not be aware that you're eligible for specialized studies.
Being selected doesn't affect your access to regular Prolific studies — your opportunities simply expand to include these additional ones.
How do specialized studies differ from regular studies?
Specialized studies may call for one or more of the following:
Specific demographics: Some studies require participants who meet very specific demographic characteristics — such as occupation, location, or background — that go beyond standard prescreening filters.
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.
Assessments or verification: You may need to complete an assessment, provide verification of qualifications, or demonstrate ability in a given area before being eligible.
Skills or expertise: The study may require deep subject matter expertise, professional experience, technical skills, or a specific skill set that isn't widely available.
How are participants identified for specialised studies?
If you already have a Prolific account, you're automatically considered for specialized studies based on your profile, study history, and qualifications. Eligibility is determined internally — studies will appear directly on your dashboard alongside regular studies when you're selected. These studies will be clearly labeled, so you'll always know when you're taking part in one.
Some participants are recruited through opportunities advertised externally before joining Prolific, but if you already have an account, there's no need to apply through those channels.
To give yourself the best chance of being selected for specialized studies, keep your profile accurate and up to date, and complete studies carefully.
The participation process remains the same: you'll always be compensated fairly for your time, participation is voluntary, and you can manage your submissions via your Prolific dashboard.
Prolific currently has specialized participant groups including AI taskers and Domain Experts. You can read more about each of these groups in their dedicated articles.
What happens if I'm not eligible for a specialized study?
Some specialized studies have specific requirements, such as an assessment or screening task. If you don't meet the criteria for a particular study, your access to regular Prolific studies is unaffected.
I already have a Prolific account — do I need to apply for opportunities advertised externally?
No. Opportunities advertised externally are only for people who are completely new to Prolific. Applying when you already have an account would create a duplicate account, which isn't permitted. Learn more about duplicate account consequences.
You're automatically considered for specialized studies based on your profile, study history, and qualifications. To maximize your chances of selection, keep your profile accurate and up to date, and complete studies carefully.