FAQ

1) Immediately after I login, as soon as I click on any menu option, I am taken back to the login page and I see a message that my authentication has expired. What does this mean?

Your web browser is not properly configured to accept cookies. You should turn on cookies in your web browser, use a different web browser (for example, try Firefox if you are currently using Internet Explorer), or try a different computer. Detailed instructions can be found if you go to the site and enter the url “cookie_help.asp” in place of “default.asp” in the address bar of the browser, when you are on the front page of the site. Another easy thing to try is simply to use another computer. Usually the computers in university computer labs are configured correctly.

2) I participated in one or more studies. How do I know I have completed my requirements?

View the My Schedule and Credits page. You should receive credit for the article summary shortly after submitting the online form and for participating in studies within 24 hours. See the Tracking Your Progress in section 3.4 for more information.

3) I participated in a study, but I have yet to receive credit. How do I receive credit?

The researcher must grant you credit. This is usually done shortly after your participation. If it has been some time and you have still not received credit, contact the researcher.

4) I completed an article summary, but I have yet to receive credit. How do I receive credit?

Credits for completed article summaries are manually granted on SONA by the SONA administrator AFTER the deadline for completion, which is the last day of classes at 4pm. Although credits may be granted earlier than this date, normally credits will not appear in SONA until after the deadline. If your credits do not appear 48 hours after the deadline then contact the SONA administrator (psyc_research@mtroyal.ca).

5) Who can see the information about my sign-ups? I don’t want everyone to know which studies I signed up for.

Only the researcher and principal investigator of the study may see that you have signed up for it, along with the SONA system administrators. No other users, including other researchers or your instructor, may see this information.

6) When requesting an account I received the following message: “The user ID you chose already exists, and has been approved for login. Please log in”. What does this mean and what do I do?

This means that you currently have an account. An account was likely setup when you were enrolled in another psychology course in a previous semester. Proceed to section 2.2 Returning Users: Updating Course Selection for instructions.

7) I have selected an incorrect course or have changed sections in the course, what should I do?

Email the administrator (psyc_research@mtroyal.ca) and provide the details of your situation along with the course number, course section, and instructor for the course you are currently enrolled in. The administrator will update your information.

8) I have questions, who should I contact?

If you have questions regarding the research experience activity contact your instructor. For questions pertaining to troubleshooting SONA email the administrator (psyc_research@mtroyal.ca) and provide the details of your situation.