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We’re looking for people like you to participate a few times a year in our innovative online experiments and surveys about how people behave
in online environments. All of our projects are academic research conducted by eLab faculty and post-doctoral fellows at Vanderbilt University.
Your participation is vital. As an eLab panel member, you will not only contribute to the creation of new knowledge, but can also influence how
companies actually do business with you. Membership is available to both domestic and international participants.
To show you just how much we value your participation, we offer regular chances to win modest cash incentives.
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Monthly Prizes
Every month eLab holds a random drawing for a cash prize of $250 or more. As a registered panelist, you are eligible for the drawing. Your chance of winning
increases as you participate in our experiments and surveys. Drawings are held the last day of every month. The
lucky winners
receive their checks within about 6-8 weeks of the drawing date. Prizes must be claimed within 2 weeks of notification and require completion of a W-9 form (for U.S. tax residents) or completion of a "Prize Statment" form (for non-U.S. tax residents) which we must provide to the IRS in accordance with U.S. tax law and university policy. Non-U.S. tax residents will also be contacted by the international tax office to provide further information to facilitate processing of payments.
Prizes for Experiment Participation
Additionally, if you choose to participate in an eLab experiment or survey, you are also eligible for separate drawings for cash prizes of $100 or more or, in some cases, for direct compensation. Prizes/compensation for each experiment must be claimed within 2 weeks of notification and require completion of a W-9 form (for U.S. tax residents) or a "Prize Statement" form (for non-U.S. tax residents) which we must provide to the IRS in accordance with U.S. tax law and university policy. Non-U.S. tax residents will also be contacted by the international tax office to provide further information to facilitate processing of payments. Any experiment prizes/compensation which remain unclaimed 2 weeks after notification may be awarded to another eligible panelist where applicable.
How Are Payments Issued?
All payments are issued as a U.S. bank check via mail. We are aware that non-U.S. panelists may incur a processing fee from their bank to cash these checks, but this is the only option currently available to us that facilitates university regulations. Please also note that payments to non-U.S. tax residents are subject to withholdings as per U.S. tax laws.
Why is a W-9 Necessary for Payment to U.S. Tax Residents?
Although the IRS does not require a W-9 to be submitted until compensation reaches $600, Vanderbilt University cannot determine when that limit is reached across all its departments without certain information being provided to tie that information together. As such, university policy is that this information must be provided regardless of the amount of compensation.
Why is a "Prize Statement" Form Necessary for Non-U.S. Tax Residents?
The IRS requires that non-U.S. tax residents be identified and appropriate withholdings applied to payments.
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Selection for experiments is based upon current research needs and specified study demographics, however we run a
large number of studies with a wide range of demographic requirements. You may not see an
invitation immediately, but that doesn't mean we've forgotten you! Just by virtue of being an eLab panelist, you
continue to be eligible for our monthly prize drawings, regardless of whether or not you have been invited to
any experiments.
If this sounds good to you and you are at least 18 years of age, sign up for the eLab Panel today!
Find out more about the eLab panel and our cash drawing incentive plan for participating in experiments and surveys.
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