Earn $110 in 90 Minutes: Paid Research Study

Mindrift•San Mateo, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Mindrift is conducting an in-person research study about how people communicate and interact in everyday group conversations. Adults in the Santa Clara Valley (South Bay), California, are invited to participate in one guided conversation session with a small group of 2–4 people, led by a trained moderator. Topics will be everyday and non-sensitive, such as planning a birthday celebration or making routine decisions. Sessions last about 90 minutes and are recorded on video and audio for research purposes. Participants check in on site with a coordinator, who guides them through the process. Participation is voluntary and covered by a signed consent form explaining the study and how recordings are used and stored. Participants may ask questions at any time and may withdraw. Each person may participate once. The study runs on weekdays from November 2026 through March 2027 in Santa Clara or Sunnyvale. Participants receive $110 after completing the session; travel costs are not covered.

Requirements

Be 18–64 years of age.
Live in or be able to travel to the Santa Clara Valley (South Bay), California.
Be comfortable holding a conversation in English.
Be comfortable being recorded on video and audio.
Be able to attend one in-person weekday session between November 2026 and March 2027.
Have not participated in this study before.
No previous experience is required.

Nice To Haves

Adults aged 50–64 and people who speak English as a second language are especially welcome.
People with flexible weekday schedules, including students, stay-at-home parents, retirees, and freelancers, may be a good fit.
People from all backgrounds, with different accents and first languages, are welcome.

Responsibilities

Check in on site with the study coordinator.
Take part in a guided conversation with a group of 2–4 people, discussing everyday, non-sensitive topics.
Participate in one approximately 90-minute session that is recorded on video and audio.
Complete registration and identity verification, a short AI interview, and study questions; sign the consent form and select a session date and time.