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Summary of IELab Procedures
This document includes an overview of procedures for conducting experiments using the IELab facilities. This summary also includes links to further documents the experimenter may find useful.
If you have additional questions regarding using the IELab for research experiments, contact Professor James Walker, walker@indiana.edu.
Human Subjects Approval
Before experiments are conducted, approval must be obtained from the Indiana University, Human Subjects Committee (hereafter HSC), located in Carmichael Center, Suite L03.
Note: HSC requires that all co-researchers involved in a project must be included as co-investigators on application forms. Further, all individuals involved in lab activities must have competed the "on-line" test administered by HSC.
The IELab does not permit experiments involving deception.
Lab Application
Follow the following security procedures when using the lab
Lab Security is an extremely important issue, both in terms of maintaining security and not creating false alarms. As the experimenter you are responsible for following lab procedures. If procedures are not followed there can be serious consequences. Failure to follow procedures causes undue costs on lab staff and IU security. Obtain a key, and the 4-digit security code from Fern Bennett in Wylie 215C or have one of the lab staff assist you in entering the lab if it is locked.
Entering the Lab
Upon entering the lab (WH220), one has 45 seconds to disarm the alarm through the keypad, located directly to the right of the door (inside). Room lights are located inside the room to the right of the door On the keypad box, flip the front cover down exposing the illuminated keypad. Enter your 4-digit code (the first button will not sound a beep-other three will) and press OFF. Close the alarm cover.
Leaving the Lab
Check all rooms for occupants. Push chairs into place and pick up any trash on the floor/tables/etc.
Make sure all computers are logged off (not turned off). Make sure all other equipment such as projectors are turned off. Turn off all ceiling lights. (leave florescent light on at the reception desk in the main room)
Lock all interior doors and check that the blind at the entry window is closed
To Alarm the Lab
The door must be closed to set the alarm. At the alarm control box, flip the cover down exposing the keypad. You will have to remain still while setting the alarm (digital display will say ready to arm). If movement is detected by the motion detector, the alarm cannot be armed. The minor movement of your hand setting the alarm will not be detected by the motion sensor.
Enter you 4-digit code and press AWAY. You have 45 seconds to exit. Test the door handle to make sure the door is locked
Paying Subjects
Generally, most experiments conducted in the IELab will include cash payoffs. However, we realize there are instances in which pre-tests or some research experiments may include non-cash incentives, such as extra-credit.
Researchers should keep in mind that subjects recruited from the "subject management system" data base below, volunteered with an expectation of cash payoffs. Do not use the subject management system for recruiting subjects for experiments with non-cash payoffs.
Subject payments should be made in cash and in private. Use a record sheet similar to the one that is included as a link on this page.
- subject payments (pdf)
- subject payments (word 97-2003)
Make a copy of the record sheet for your files. You will need to submit the original for reimbursement purposes.
Obtaining the cash for your experiments is your responsibility. The process depends on the particular research group (or faculty member) with whom you are working. Be sure you have sufficient cash to pay subjects for the maximum amount they could earn, in currency and coins.
Recruiting Subjects
The IELab maintains a computerized data base of IU students who have volunteered to participate in decision making experiments with cash payoffs. See specifics below for using the data base.
In addition, different working groups in the past have used alternative procedures for recruiting subjects. For example, in addition to using the data base, researchers from Economics have recruited subjects from economics classes. Researchers from Psychology have used a subject "sign-up" mechanism, coordinated by their department.
Note: If you recruit subjects outside of the lab data base, it is a lab policy that these subjects have the opportunity to voluntarily "sign-up" for the lab data base at the end of the experiment in which they participate.
If you are conducting experiments that include a group context, be sure and recruit alternates. Some subjects who volunteer will not show up.
Example: For an experiment with 3 groups of 4 subjects, most researchers would tend to recruit 12 subjects and an additional 2 to 3 alternates. Recruiting is often done a few days before the experiments, followed by a reminder email to subjects who have been confirmed as being in the experiment.
It is useful to have a "sign-up sheet" similar to the one provided as a links.
- signup sheet (pdf)
- signup sheet (word 97-2003)
When recruiting, it is important to remind the subjects by volunteering, it is important that they fulfill this commitment; otherwise the experiment may have to be postponed.
Most researchers tend to pay $5 to subjects for showing up on time, $10 to alternates if they are not used, and an average total payment of approximately $25-$30 per subject.
As a general rule, do not tell subjects the amount you expect them to make. However, it helps to give a range, something like $15 to $40. This is type of information will be required by HSC to appear on the experiment consent form.
Experiment Documentation
Keep a log of each experiment that you run. A copy of the experiment log should be given to Fern Bennett and the entered in the lab data base, as described below.
Subject Data Base
The IELab maintains a data base of subjects who have volunteered to participate in experiments in the lab and experiment conducted in the lab - the "Experiment and Subject Management System."
Using the System: Experiment and Subject Management System
- (pdf)
- (word 97-2003)
Responsibilities of the Researcher
- (pdf)
- (Word 97-2003)
Example classroom flyer for informing students of the opportunity to participate in experiments in the IELab.
- (pdf)
- (Word 97-2003)
Acknowledgements and IELab Support
Continued external and internal support for the lab is extremely important. Please acknowledge the lab and the lab account number in all working papers and publications. Suggested Wording: We gratefully acknowledge support from the Center for the Study of Institutions, Population, and Environmental Change at Indiana University through National Science Foundation grant BCS-0215738.
The IELab does not require researchers to provide lab funding support for using the lab facilities. However, we ask that all faculty using the facility (and graduate students who are seeking external support) to include in lab support in external grant proposals. These funds will be used for maintaining staff support and equipment. A "rule of thumb" suggestion is to request funding on the order of $50 per hour of anticipated lab use.
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