BU Psychology Volunteer Scheme

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BU Psychology Volunteer Scheme

Like us to get all the latest information about exciting opportunities to take part in psychology research. Some studies will also pay you for your time.

We can only do the work we do at BU psychology research centre with help from volunteers. We are always looking for people of all ages and backgrounds in the Poole area to sign up to our Psychology Volunteer Scheme. By signing up you will recieve regular newsletters letting you know about the new and exciting research we are conducting and opportunities for how you can get involved. By taking part

in psychology research you can play an important role in furthering cutting-edge psychology research and learn new things about yourself and the human mind. You can sign up today by visiting our website http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/prc/research-volunteers.html

01/04/2026

Been using ChatGPT? Interested in the future of healthcare?

An interesting study explores how people feel about using ChatGPT in mental healthcare, particularly for diagnosis and explanations, and we’d love to hear your thoughts. We are looking for individuals aged 18+ who are not currently, nor have previously been, a medical student or worked in a medical profession, and who are also not registered mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists or clinical psychologists). If eligible, you’ll be asked to complete a short online survey (approximately 10 minutes) sharing your views on this emerging area.

Interested in taking part or want to learn more? Contact Dr Ruijie Wang at [email protected] or click the link below to get started. We really appreciate your contribution to our research!

04/03/2026

An ongoing study explores whether sketching during an investigative interview can provide greater insight into how people tell the truth or lie.
Participants will go on a “secret mission” by taking part in a short interview task with the researcher, which includes sketching and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

We’re looking for:
• Students aged 18 and over
• All genders welcome
• No drawing skills required

You’ll:
• Take part in a short interview task with sketching
• Complete the study at Bournemouth University, in Fusion or Poole House
• Receive 0.5 SONA credits as a thank you for taking part

Interested in taking part or want to learn more?
Contact Clarissa Lobo at 📧 [email protected]

03/03/2026

Can you help us study ways to cut back on sugar? 🍬

The average UK adult consumes more than double the recommended amount of free sugars, increasing the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This study at Bournemouth University aims to test simple and effective dietary strategies to reduce sugar intake while maintaining a tasty and enjoyable diet, examining the effects on diet, health, and public acceptance (Ethics ID: 61165).

We are looking for adults aged 18 and over who live in Bournemouth or the local area to take part in a 12-week study. Participants will follow simple dietary recommendations, attend three short test sessions at the university—including a blood glucose test, body measurements, and eating tasks—record their diet online, and complete short questionnaires. As a thank you, participants will receive free breakfast at every test session, a one-to-one diet consultation upon completion, and entry into a £50 shopping voucher prize draw.

To register your interest, visit the link below or contact Aleksandra Bielat at 📧 [email protected]
for more information.

02/03/2026

How do young men experience masculinity? 👤

Masculinity shapes how men think, feel, and behave, yet we still know relatively little about how it is understood in everyday life. This study at Bournemouth University explores how young men define and experience masculinity, what influences these views, and how masculinity relates to identity, behaviour, and emotional expression. The findings will contribute to a broader 3-year research project combining social and neuroscientific perspectives.

Who can take part:
• Men aged 18 to 24
• Must identify as a man

What you’ll do:
• One-to-one interview about your views on masculinity
• Interviews last 45–60 minutes
• Conducted in person at Bournemouth University or online via Microsoft Teams
• Participation is voluntary; you can withdraw up to 2 weeks after the interview

Interested or want to know more?
Contact Alec Caton-Bradley at 📧 [email protected]

01/03/2026

An exciting research study at Bournemouth University explores how eye-tracking can help improve our understanding and treatment of dyslexia.

Reading speed and accuracy can present challenges for individuals with dyslexia. This study uses eye-tracking technology to investigate the signs of dyslexia, with the aim of developing better methods to help dyslexic readers read faster and more accurately.

We’re looking for:
• Individuals with a diagnosis of dyslexia.
• Participants who can attend sessions at Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus.

You’ll:
• Take part in two sessions (approximately 60 minutes each).
• Visit our eye-tracking labs at Talbot Campus.
• Receive a £40 Amazon voucher or 2 SONA credits as a thank you for your time.

Interested in taking part or want to learn more?
Contact Dr Julie Kirkby and Dr Federica Degno at 📧 [email protected]

28/02/2026

Exciting new studies coming up! Contribute to important research and receive vouchers or SONA credits

02/11/2025

An ongoing research explores how thinking skills affect the way we navigate the world. 🧭

Finding your way around, remembering locations, and planning routes are all part of everyday navigation. This research at Bournemouth University looks at how these abilities relate to cognitive functions like decision-making and mental flexibility, helping us understand how thinking influences navigation.

We’re looking for:
• Adults aged 60 and over without a neurological diagnosis.
• Individuals of any age diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or hydrocephalus.

You’ll:
• Complete a series of computer-based tasks during a 90-minute remote session via Zoom.
• Receive full guidance from a researcher throughout.
• Be given a £12 voucher as a thank you for taking part.

Sessions are available seven days a week from October to January.

Interested in taking part or want to learn more?
Contact Chinwe Ekwuaju at 📧 [email protected]

01/11/2025

A continuing study explores how people think about sexual violence, and why it matters.

Bournemouth University and the University of Suffolk are running research to understand how people think and feel about sexual violence, both in general and in response to specific scenarios. Your views could help shape future policy, education, and support services.

We’re looking for:
UK-based individuals aged 18 or over to complete a short, anonymous 20-minute online survey. The survey includes standardised questionnaires, basic demographic questions (with “prefer not to say” options), and a fictional scenario that may include depictions of sexual violence.

Participation is voluntary. You can exit the survey at any time, and responses are not saved unless the survey is completed. You’ll be asked to confirm your consent before starting.

BU students: You will receive SONA credits, even if you choose not to complete the full survey.

Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, we encourage you to take part only if you feel comfortable doing so. Information about support services will be available within the survey if needed.

Ready to take part?
Read the full information sheet and begin the survey via the link, or for more questions, contact Dr Kari Davies at 📧 [email protected].

31/10/2025

How confident do student midwives feel supporting mothers after a traumatic birth? 👶

Last year, The Birth Trauma Public Inquiry Report shared evidence from over 1,300 women who experienced traumatic births, many linked to medical negligence. Student midwives play a vital role in providing trauma-informed care, especially when supporting mothers who may be struggling emotionally or psychologically with breastfeeding after a traumatic experience. This study at Bournemouth University explores how confident student midwives feel and how well their training prepares them for joining UK maternity services.

Who can take part:
Current Bournemouth University 2nd and Final Year Midwifery students.
(Please do not participate if you have personally experienced a traumatic birth, to ensure emotional safety.)

What you’ll do:
Complete a short online questionnaire about your course experiences.
The survey takes around 15 minutes to complete.

To take part, please follow the link below.

Interested in taking part or want to learn more?
Contact Abi Wheeler at 📧 [email protected]

30/10/2025

An interesting study explores how gentle electrical stimulation may enhance face recognition.

Transcranial electrical stimulation is a promising method for improving face identification, but past studies have shown mixed results. This research at Bournemouth University aims to better understand how electrical stimulation affects face processing and other cognitive abilities, helping to advance neuroscience and develop practical interventions.

We’re looking for White ethnicity males and females aged 18 and over (no upper age limit), with no history of neurological conditions and no metal implants or plating on the head or skull.
You’ll complete a behavioural task and receive mild electrical stimulation during a 75-minute session at Bournemouth University.

Interested in taking part or want to learn more? Contact Robin Young ([email protected]) or Dr Bryan Leong ([email protected]).

29/10/2025

Can you tell what a horse is feeling? 🐴

Humans are great at reading each other’s facial expressions — but how well can we read the emotions of other species?

This study at Bournemouth University explores how people with and without horse experience perceive subtle signs of emotion and pain in horses’ faces, using eye-tracking and questionnaires. Your participation will help improve understanding and contribute to better horse welfare education.

Who can take part:
Males and females aged 18 and over (no upper age limit), with or without horse-care experience.

What you’ll do:
You can choose one of two options:
1️⃣ Visit Bournemouth University (School of Psychology) to take part in a 15-minute eye-tracking task and then complete some questionnaires.
2️⃣ Complete the questionnaires online from home (around 20 minutes).

Interested in taking part or want to learn more?
Contact Dr Nicola Gregory at 📧 [email protected]

25/09/2025

Welcome back to our returning students, and a big welcome to all new students joining us! We’ve got exciting new studies coming soon, we can’t wait for you to take part!

Address

Poole
BH125BB

Telephone

+441202961532

Website

http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/prc/research-volunteers.html

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