SONIA

SONIA is a widely-used online platform for managing research participation in academic settings, especially within psychology departments. At Loyola University Chicago, SONIA connects students with active research studies, allowing them to participate in research as a means of gaining real-world experience and often fulfilling course requirements. Through SONIA, participants can select studies based on their interests, sign up for convenient times, and track their participation progress. The platform is integral to the experiential learning approach, providing students with insights into research methodologies and the chance to engage with academic research as a contributor.

Key Features

• Streamlined Research Participation: SONIA allows participants to easily sign up for a range of research studies, managing all appointments and tracking credits online.
• Diverse Study Opportunities: Loyola's SONIA portal offers access to studies across various psychological fields, such as cognitive, clinical, and social psychology.
• Credit and Extra Credit Options: Some courses within Loyola’s psychology department allow students to earn academic credits or extra credit for their participation in research studies.
• Easy Scheduling and Documentation: SONIA’s online system helps students schedule and document their participation hours seamlessly, providing access to study details and updates.

Benefits

• Hands-On Research Experience: Provides students with practical insights into research processes, study design, and data collection methods, enhancing their academic learning experience.
• Enhanced Understanding of Psychology: Engaging in research deepens students' understanding of psychological concepts, helping them connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
• Networking Opportunities: Participation in research allows students to build connections with faculty and researchers, which can be beneficial for academic growth and career development.
• Fulfillment of Academic Requirements: Many psychology courses require research participation or offer extra credit, making SONIA a convenient and accessible way for students to meet these requirements.
• Flexible and Convenient: With a self-service model, SONIA allows students to choose studies and time slots that fit their schedules, making participation accessible and manageable.

Loyola University Chicago psychology students and other eligible students interested in research experience, subject to course-specific requirements.

This service is provided at no additional cost to eligible* individuals or departments, as it is fully funded by the institution.

*Questions on eligibility, please contact the ITS Service Desk*