Software studies are a common and valuable part of research on Prolific. Researchers might ask you to test an app, try out a prototype, or complete a task that needs specific software. A few quick habits will help you take part with confidence.
Studies on Prolific are created and run by independent researchers. We carry out certain security checks on researchers, but studies are often hosted off the Prolific platform. That means we don't see or review the content of individual studies, or any software, app, or third-party service they ask you to use.
Why studies ask you to download software
Researchers have plenty of good reasons to ask you to use software. Common examples include:
Testing an app before it's released
Trying out a prototype or new tool
Running a task that needs specific software
Five quick checks before you download
These take a minute and keep you in control.
1. Check who's running the study
Look at the researcher's name and study description. Genuine researchers usually say who they are and which organization they work with. If a researcher asks you to chat somewhere else, like WhatsApp, Telegram, or personal email, you can say no and keep communication on Prolific.
2. Get software from official sources
The best places to get an app are the Apple App Store, Google Play, or an official company website that you've verified yourself. Search for the company independently rather than relying on a link in the study, and check that the website address matches. Before you install, take a quick look at who published the app, how many people have downloaded it, what the reviews say, and which permissions it asks for.
3. Know how pre-release apps work
Some genuine studies test apps that aren't in a store yet. Researchers often share these through official testing programs, such as Apple's TestFlight or Google Play testing. If a study asks you to install a file from outside an official app store or source, like an Android app file ending in .apk, or to turn on a setting like "install from unknown sources," it's worth a second look. If something feels off, cancel your participation and report the study immediately.
4. Keep your security settings on
Your antivirus software and your device's safety warnings are there to protect you. Legitimate studies shouldn't need you to turn them off or bypass them. If a study asks you to, cancel your participation and report the study.
5. Feel comfortable with virtual private network (VPN) requests
If a study asks you to use a VPN to access or download something, make sure you're comfortable with the request. If something feels off, cancel your participation and report the study.
What researchers don't need from you
Whatever software a study uses, researchers don't need you to:
Install a remote access tool like TeamViewer or AnyDesk, or share your screen with them
Paste commands into Terminal, Command Prompt, or PowerShell that you don't understand
Share passwords, verification codes, recovery phrases, ID, or banking details
Allow permissions that don't match the task, like access to your texts
Pay or buy something before you take part
Take care with files that end in .exe, .zip, or .bat, and with documents that ask you to "enable macros." A survey app has no reason to ask for your texts, your screen recording, or "accessibility" or "device administrator" rights. If a permission doesn't make sense, say no and report the study to us immediately.
Researchers pay you through Prolific, so be wary of any study that offers payment elsewhere or pays in cryptocurrency. Other signs worth a second look include pressure to act fast, vague reasons for needing the software, unusually high pay for very little work, website addresses with small spelling changes, and shortened links that hide where they lead.
If a study asks for any of these, trust your instincts. Cancel your participation and report the study.
A few good habits
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. If you can, avoid doing studies that require downloading software on a device that holds your banking apps or saved passwords.
How we contact you
We contact you through Prolific messages and from official Prolific email addresses ending in @prolific.com. We'll never ask you to share your password. If someone claiming to be from Prolific asks for it, don't reply and report it to us.
If something doesn't feel right
Trust your instincts. You can stop at any point. Stopping or returning a study because you think it's unsafe won't affect your account.
Cancel your participation
Report the study to us using "Report study" on the study page
Keep any messages from the researcher
When you report, include the study link, the researcher's ID, any screenshots you have, and any additional information you'd like to share. That helps us act quickly.
If you've already installed something or shared information
Acting quickly makes a big difference, and these steps will help:
Disconnect your device from the internet
Uninstall the software and run a security scan
Change your important passwords from a different device
Turn on two-factor authentication for your key accounts
Check your bank and payment accounts for unusual activity, and contact your bank if you shared financial details
Uninstalling doesn't always remove malware. If the software won't uninstall, or you're still worried, consider resetting your device to its factory settings.
With these habits, you can take part in software studies with confidence. If you're not sure about a study, report it and our team will take a look.