PIMCO Decision Research Laboratories
NOTICE: The CDR continues to closely follow the evolving situation with coronavirus (COVID-19). In accordance with University guidance and to prioritize safety, the CDR has suspended lab operations for spring 2020. We are exploring options for online studies and will update participants as new information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Participate in Research
The PIMCO Decision Research Laboratories at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Center for Decision Research enable academics to conduct high-quality behavioral science experiments to better understand how people form judgments and make decisions.
Many of our studies take place in our Hyde Park and Chicago Loop lab locations. We also host Pop-Up Labs in partnership with the Chicago Park District, the Museum of Science and Industry, and other venues throughout the Chicago area.
The robust empirical data the labs generate are the building blocks for our faculty's game-changing research, which appears in top academic journals, as well as outlets like the New York Times, Washington Post, and BBC News.
Participate in Paid Research
We're always looking for new research participants to help advance the CDR's behavioral science research.
How it works:
- Sign up to be notified about upcoming studies.
- Schedule an appointment online for your chosen studies.
(Note: UChicago students, faculty and staff are not required to make appointments when visiting the Hyde Park Lab)
- Visit the labs and participate in research.
- Get paid at a minimum rate of $12/hour cash for participating.
What to expect: Participation is always voluntary, and we pride ourselves on a safe, fun and welcoming atmosphere. Studies involve simple, everyday tasks like answering surveys on a computer or conversing with a partner.
Studies may last from five minutes to over an hour, and most participants complete multiple studies in a single visit. Studies pay at least $12 per hour ($1 per five minutes). To help ensure reliable data, you may only participate at one of our two lab locations.
Your voice matters: As a research participant, you play a vital role in helping us understand how people make decisions and form judgments. Your participation allows us to collect reliable data that advances behavioral science and helps people live happier, healthier lives.
Sign up today and share your valuable perspective.
Join Our Team
Interested in becoming a research assistant at the Hyde Park, Loop, or Pop-Up Labs? Submit an application.
For Researchers
University of Chicago researchers interested in running studies in our labs can learn more at the Researcher Portal (requires CNetID).
PIMCO's Support for Behavioral Science
In the fall of 2018, PIMCO and the CDR announced a partnership in support of CDR’s behavioral science research. In recognition of this investment in research, Chicago Booth’s CDR laboratories were renamed the PIMCO Decision Research Laboratories. The PIMCO Decision Research Laboratories will yield scientific discoveries with the potential to improve individual and social welfare. The partnership will also include a new “storefront” behavioral science research lab to foster greater engagement with the public, broaden CDR’s reach, and increase the diversity of participants in the studies.
Watch: Why Empirical Research Matters
In this video interview, postdoctoral fellow Stav Atir discusses her work and how the PIMCO Decision Research Labs drive the CDR's research efforts.