First-time users of PIPER should read through the PIPER Policy document carefully. Answers to common introductory questions are below.
What is PIPER?
Do I have a PIPER requirement?
Is there an alternative assignment instead of research participation?
When will studies be posted? How many research opportunities will there be?
Can I participate in a study more than once?
I received three strikes, and now I can’t sign up for studies. What should I do?
Why am I unable to log into the PIPER system?
What is PIPER?
The Psychology Department contains many faculty and advanced students who conduct research that requires research participants. The PIPER pool helps support this very important contribution to science. Student participation is highly valued and appreciated by the researchers. The Psychology Department also values the benefits of experiential learning. PIPER is one means of promoting this value. The PIPER requirement enhances student learning by providing firsthand experience with research. Furthermore, participants will learn about the kinds of research experiences and labs that will be available to them as upper-class students.
Do I have a PIPER requirement?
In the past, all students enrolled in PSY101 (General Psychology), PSY121 (Methods & Tools), and PSY299 (Research Seminar) were required to earn PIPER credit. Participating in research is now for extra credit – so there is no PIPER requirement.
Is there an alternative assignment instead of research participation?
As noted above, research participation is an important part of learning to be a psychologist. See your instructor for alternative assignments if you object to research participation, or if your life circumstances make attending research sessions difficult.
When will studies be posted? How many research opportunities will there be?
Studies are posted when researchers are ready to collect data. There is no way to forecast exactly when this will occur, so please do not email the PIPER coordinator to ask. There should be enough studies available for conscientious students who monitor PIPER regularly to satisfy their extra credit needs. That said, the number of available studies generally peaks mid-semester and drastically reduces in the last two weeks. Work early and regularly on research participation rather than waiting until the last minute. The PIPER coordinator is not involved in grading.
Can I participate in a study more than once?
No. The system will not allow you sign up for a study twice. In special situations, the researcher might ask you to participate in a follow-up session. It is OK to participate in these special situations. The researcher should coordinate follow-up appointments and allocate credits for your additional time.
I received three strikes, and now I can’t sign up for studies. What should I do?
Participants with three strikes are banned from participating in studies. Any credit you have accumulated during the semester prior to being banned is yours to keep, but the remainder of your required credit (credit is no longer required) can only be earned through a written Compulsory Assignment administered by the PIPER coordinator. You are responsible for contacting the PIPER coordinator via email (piper@tcnj.edu) for instructions.
Why am I unable to log into the PIPER system?
You must be enrolled in a course that is offering PIPER for extra credit to be recognized by the system. You will receive an email early in the semester to create your password. Try resetting your password. The PIPER system will only accept certain kinds of passwords. If you are unable to log in because the PIPER system does not recognize your account information, try changing your password to one that contains only letters and numbers, with no spaces, punctuation, or special characters. If you are still unable to log in, contact the PIPER coordinator (piper@tcnj.edu) and ask to be put in touch with the I.T. specialist who can assist you.