What taking part in a study is actually like

Most people who join the panel have never taken part in market research before. That is fine — nothing about it requires experience. Here is what actually happens, step by step, so there are no surprises.

1. Registering

Registration takes a couple of minutes. We ask about your role, your field, the kind of organisation you work in and what you are involved in buying or using. That profile is what lets us match you to studies — so the more accurately it describes your work, the more relevant the invitations you receive.

2. An invitation

When a study fits your profile, we get in touch by email, phone or LinkedIn. The invitation tells you the topic in general terms, roughly how long it takes and what the thank-you payment is. You can say no to any study, for any reason, without it affecting future invitations.

3. A short screening call

If you are interested, a member of our team runs through a few screening questions — usually five to ten minutes. This confirms that the study really is a match, which protects your time as much as the client's. With your permission, screening calls are recorded for training and quality control, and we may use automated tools to help check data quality. You can decline either and still take part.

4. The interview or survey

Studies take different forms: an online survey, a telephone interview, or a video call with a moderator, typically between 20 and 60 minutes. There are no right or wrong answers — the whole point is your honest, professional view. Often the organisation behind the research is not named until the end, or at all. That is standard practice: it keeps answers unbiased.

5. Getting paid

The amount is agreed before you start. Payment is usually made once fieldwork for the study closes, and depending on your country you can typically choose between vouchers, PayPal, bank transfer or a donation to a charity on your behalf.

Your data

Ayesda Bio, which operates the panel, is the data controller. Your details are held in line with UK and EU data protection law, are never sold, and you can withdraw from the panel at any time. The full detail is in our Privacy Policy and Panel Terms.