Instructions for alternative to research participation
You may choose to write a review of a research paper instead of participating in research studies through SONA. Each paper is worth 1.0 credit. Read the article carefully. 1) Summarize the background to the problem, 2) the prediction(s) for the study, 3) what results were found, and 4) implications for the work as well as 5) your own evaluation of the research paper.
The review paper needs to be between 500 and 800 words. You can see a sample of the articles you will be reviewing here (Articles 1 and 2).
Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, students who choose to write a review paper will be required to complete the task in person at the lab. Similar to research studies, review writing sessions will be posted on SONA, and students must sign up for these sessions and complete the review in the lab. The deadline to complete review articles is 5:00 PM on April 9, 2027, to be considered for credit. Online papers will not be accepted.
DUE: any time before April 9th, 2027, 5:00pm.
Please follow these instructions to sign up for review writing sessions:
1 - Login to SONA STUDENT POOL (Your login information is sent to you through Sona Systems in September.
2 - Complete the Prescreen Survey (on your first login)
3 - Under studies, look for "Alternative to Research Participation" available timeslots
4 - Sign up for a time slot and make sure you receive the email confirming your registration
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED (You are encouraged to complete your credits well in advance of the deadline).