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 generally receive $100 compensation via Venmo for their time and honest participation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Secure video conference
4-hour session; $100 via Venmo
Quiet, private location
Working camera and mic
Active engagement required
No recording or sharing
Confidentiality agreement
Honest reactions only
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 one of the 50 U.S. States or the District of Columbia are eligible to participate. Selected applicants will be required to display government-issued identification.
3. Hardware Access
A stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone are strictly necessary.
4. Private Setting
Ensure you can join from a focused, quiet, and secluded environment.
5. Group Interaction
We seek individuals ready to contribute and engage with other members.
6. Privacy Agreement
All proprietary session content must remain completely private and confidential.
7. PROJECT FREQUENCY LIMITATION
To maintain diverse community perspectives, we limit involvement to one session 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. Verification and Payment
Participants must have a personal Venmo account in their own name, matching their legal ID; payment is issued only after identity and U.S. residency are verified and the focus group has been completed.
9. ENGLISH LANGUAGE FLUENCY
Participants must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently.
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 may vary, but is generally $100 (paid via Venmo) for a completed four-hour 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 one Civic Lens Research focus group 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.
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 generally need a computer or tablet with a working camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet, private location.
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.
Earn Compensation
Participants are generally paid $100 via Venmo for completing a 4-hour focus group session.
Join an Interesting Discussion
Consider real-world situations and hear different perspectives from a diverse group of adults.
Participate from Home
Most sessions are conducted online by video conference, allowing you to join from your private space.
Make Your Perspective Heard
Help researchers understand how community members view and respond to workplace disputes.