Graduate research studies

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #47000.

The study involves interacting with an information retrieval system to find relevant documents regarding a topic.

• Format: In-person/hybrid
• Method: The study will include a 1-hour tutorial/training and 5 tasks, each lasting for 1 hour. For each of the tasks, you will be given a topic along with its details, and your goal will be to find documents relevant to that topic using different configurations of our system. You may take breaks at any time except during the tutorial. The tutorial will be in-person on campus, but the remaining tasks can be completed remotely at a time of your choosing.
• Length: 6 hours total
• Participant requirements: 
  • Must be able to comfortably and efficiently read and understand documents in English to judge their relevance on a certain topic.
  • Must have access to a laptop/computer with a mouse, keyboard, and internet connection.
• Remuneration: $120 amazon gift card
• Attachments: Research poster

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #46500.

This study explores how and where graduate students access food, and if the food accessed reflects an individual's needs. The aim of this study is to better understand the challenges and opportunities that graduate students face in accessing nutritious, sufficient, and culturally relevant foods.

• Format: Online
• Method: Participation consists of an online questionnaire where you will be asked about your experiences and perspectives on food accessibility, food sovereignty, and copying strategies. Participants will also have the option of providing more details in an optional interview. The questionnaire is completely anonymous, no identifying information will be connected to your survey.
• Length: The questionnaire should take approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Participant requirements: To participate in the study, you need to be at least 18 years of age and a Graduate student at the University of Waterloo. Your participation in this study is voluntary.
• Remuneration: Participants have the option to enter a draw for a chance to win 1 of 10 gift cards to Sobeys valued at $10 each.
• Attachments: Recruitment letter (PDF)

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #23241.

In this study, a measurement of behaviour test and non-invasive brain imaging will be done using transcranial magnetic simulations. The purpose of this study is to obtain a more detailed understanding of the brain mechanisms of how audiovisual integration changes with age which may help to understand possible treatment options. 

• Format: In-person
• Method: Audiovisual simultaneity judgment task where you will be asked questions about things you see and hear. See consent form for more information. 
• Length: 2-3 hours
• Participant requirements: 20-50 years of age with normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
• Remuneration: $10/hour
• Attachments: Consent form

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #44815.

This study investigates how large, fast, accelerations (shocks) travel through our spine when landing from a jump to help inform low back pain prevention efforts.

• Format: In-person
• Method: Participants will have their body imaged using a low-dose X-ray method called "DXA" and attend four landing sessions: one visit to practice, one visit first thing in the morning, and two visits in the late afternoon. At one of the afternoon visits, participants will perform a short 10-minute low-back fatigue protocol.
• Length: 7-9 hours total
• Participant requirements: Please see the information letter or contact Lia for full details, but participants should meet the following criteria:
  • BMI less than 30 kg/m^2
  • No low back pain in the last 12 months serious enough to have sought out treatment from a healthcare provider (e.g., doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc.)
  • 18-35 years of age
  • No known deformities of the spine (e.g., scoliosis)
  • Not currently pregnant
  • No known skin sensitivities to alcohol or adhesives
• Remuneration: $70 and the chance to be entered into a draw for an additional $100
• Attachments: Information letter

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #46929.

This study explores the design of voice agents as running coaches. The purpose of this study is to explore different configurations for the voice agent.

• Format: In-person
• Method: Participants will be asked to complete a demographic survey and then listen to and evaluate audio recordings of different voice agent configurations.
• Length: 30 minutes.
• Participant requirements: Minimum 18 years of age.
• Remuneration: $10 gift card
• Attachments: Recruitment email

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #46972.

Through an anonymous survey, this study explores student experiences, perspectives, and expectations for health inclusivity in university to develop a framework that can inform course design and university policies.

• Format: Online
• Method: Participants will be asked a series of closed and open-ended questions.
• Length: 30 minutes
• Participant requirements: Participants should meet the following criteria:
  • Currently or previously enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Canadian university, with at least one class taken in 2024
  • Have health-related concerns, a health condition, disability or illness, or caregiving responsibilities*
    • *You do not need to currently have a health condition, disability or illness, or caregiving responsibilities
  • Have experienced health-related challenges, concerns, or risks with in-person learning in 2024
• Remuneration: N/A
• Attachments: Information letter