4. MAKE SURE YOU'RE QUALIFIED FOR THE EXPERIMENT
Once you've found the experiment of your dreams, check out the qualifications and make sure you meet them. First, you'll probably have to be at least 18 years old. And obviously, if the experiment asks for females, you have to be female. (Unless the experiment involves sex changes.) If you're not sure if you qualify or not, just call up and ask.
For any medical-type experiment, it's also common to see the phrase "healthy volunteers." This doesn't mean you have to be Arnold Schwarzenegger - we already have enough trouble with only one of him - you just have to be reasonably healthy. If you meet these basic requirements, you'll first have an initial interview, at which the doctor will ask you:
- Medication you are currently taking. This includes any recreational drugs, and before you ask, yes, you will probably get a urine test. But don't worry, college kiddies, this doesn't necessarily mean you're disqualified.
- Any pre-existing health conditions (including mental health) or allergies you have.
It is imperative you answer these questions fully and honestly - they're set up to protect you from any harm. And don't worry; everything is confidential. If it's determined that any medication you're on will interfere, you won't be allowed to participate. Tough noogies, but they'll be other crazy experiments.
Three more things:
- Make sure you can devote the time necessary for the entire experiment. While you won't get charged a fee for dropping out of an experiment, you probably won't get paid and you will surely anger those researchers.
- Check the location of the experiment and see that you have sufficient transportation (e.g., car, bus, taxi, subway, dogsled, etc.).
- Ascertain that the experiment doesn't conflict with any moral or religious beliefs you hold. If you're opposed to human subject research, then - wait, what are you doing here anyway?
