YOUR PERSPECTIVE MATTERS
Civic Lens Research organizes paid online discussions about real-world workplace situations and legal disputes. Participants hear a presentation of the facts and arguments, answer questions, and discuss their reactions with a small group of other adults.
There are no right or wrong answers. We want to understand what ordinary people genuinely think. No legal training, professional expertise, or prior focus-group experience is required.
Our goal is simple: to understand what people genuinely notice, question, believe, and care about. We value candid reactions, differing viewpoints, careful listening, and respectful conversation.
Our process is designed to be transparent and straightforward, ensuring your time and perspective are valued.
01. APPLY
Complete a brief form to share your basic demographic information with our research team.
02. INVITATION
Selected applicants are contacted when their background fits a session's specific research needs.
HOW IT WORKS
03. DISCUSSION
Join a 4-hour scheduled video session to hear presentations and share your honest reactions.
04. COMPENSATION
Participants receive $100 compensation via Venmo for their time and honest participation.
Eligibility Criteria
Review these mandatory requirements before applying for a research project.
1. Minimum Age Requirement
All participants must be age 18 or older.
2. Identity & Residence Verification
Only individuals who currently live in a U.S. state or the District of Columbia are eligible to participate. Selected applicants will be required to display government-issued identification that confirms their identity and residency.
3. Hardware Access
A computer or tablet with a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone are strictly necessary. A phone will not suffice, as it is too small for viewing exhibits shown by the moderators, presenters, and parties.
4. Private Setting
Ensure you can join from a focused, quiet, and secluded environment. Background noise and interruptions frustrate both your ability to be engaged and that of the moderator, presenters, parties, and other participants.
5. Group Interaction
We seek individuals ready to contribute and engage with other members. All focus groups require participants to appear by video and remain visible, on-mic, and engaged throughout the session.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY & Impartiality
All session content must remain completely private and confidential. Prior to participating in a focus group, participants will be required to electronically sign a Participation and Confidentiality Agreement. Participants must not have a recent or current employment, financial interest, personal relationship, or other connection with any person or organization identified or discussed in connection with the focus group that could affect their impartiality.Â
7. PROJECT FREQUENCY LIMITATION
To maintain diverse community perspectives, we limit involvement to two sessions per year. This ensures every participant has a fresh outlook and allows us to gather various data points from a broader spectrum of local citizens.
8. ENGLISH LANGUAGE FLUENCY
Participants must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently.
9. Verification and Payment
Participants must have a personal Venmo account to receive payment, which is issued upon the completion of the focus group.
FAQ
Common questions about how we conduct our focus group discussions.
IS THIS A JOB?
No. Participation in a Civic Lens Research focus group is an occasional compensated research opportunity. It is not employment, an offer of employment, or ongoing contract work.
DO I NEED LEGAL EXPERIENCE?
No. We are seeking honest reactions from ordinary community members. No legal training or specialized knowledge is required.
HOW ARE PARTICIPANTS SELECTED?
Each session requires a particular mix of locations, backgrounds, occupations, experiences, and perspectives. Completing an application places you in our potential participant pool but does not guarantee an invitation.
HOW MUCH WILL I BE PAID?
Compensation for our standard 4-hour focus group is $100 (paid via Venmo) for a completed session. The exact amount, session length, and payment method will be disclosed before you accept an invitation.
HOW OFTEN MAY I PARTICIPATE?
You may participate in no more than two Civic Lens Research focus groups during any rolling 12-month period.
MUST I BE A U.S. RESIDENT?
Yes. U.S. residency is required. You must currently reside in the United States and be able to verify your identity and current U.S. residence if selected.
HOW WILL I VERIFY U.S. RESIDENCY?
Applicants will receive instructions for securely displaying government identification that shows their identity and current U.S. address. Do not email or upload identification documents unless Civic Lens Research specifically requests them through an approved secure process.Â
WILL THE SESSION BE CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes. Participants will generally be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and must not disclose, research, record, photograph, or share the information discussed.
WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO I NEED?
You will need a computer or tablet with a working camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet, private location. A phone will not suffice, as the display is too small for viewing exhibits shown by the moderators, presenters, and parties.
CAN I PARTICIPATE BY TELEPHONE ONLY?
No. All sessions require participants to appear by video and remain visible throughout the discussion.
DOES APPLYING GUARANTEE SELECTION?
No. Participant requirements vary by session, and many qualified applicants may not be selected.