Earn $110 in 90 Minutes: Paid Research Study

Mindrift•Oakland, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Mindrift is conducting an in-person research study on how people communicate and interact in everyday group conversations. Adults in the Santa Clara Valley (South Bay), California, area are invited to participate in a guided conversation session with a small group of 2–4 people and a trained moderator. Topics will be everyday and non-sensitive, such as planning a birthday celebration or making everyday decisions. Each session lasts about 90 minutes and is 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 what is involved and how recordings are used and stored. Participants may ask questions at any point and may withdraw. Eligible participants attend one in-person weekday session between November 2026 and March 2027; each person participates once. Compensation is $110 after completing the session, paid through Mindrift. Travel costs are not covered. Applying involves registering and verifying identity, completing a short AI interview and a few questions, then signing the consent form and choosing a session time.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Flexible weekday schedule; the study notes it may suit students, stay-at-home parents, retirees, freelancers, and others with weekday flexibility.
Adults aged 50–64 and people who speak English as a second language are especially welcome.

Responsibilities

Check in on site with the study coordinator.
Join a guided conversation with 2–4 other participants, led by a trained moderator.
Discuss everyday, non-sensitive topics.
Participate in an approximately 90-minute session recorded on video and audio.
Complete the application steps, including identity verification, a short AI interview, and consent documentation.