How do I apply?
Our online application process takes you through all the steps needed to complete your entry. You will also need to upload your references, CVs and specifications of questions or other required text.
What experiments have previously been carried out?
The experiments implemented in the Innovation Panel are summarised each year in an Understanding Society Working Paper and in the Innovation Panel User Guide.
I’m not sure whether I meet the criteria. Who can I talk to?
Please get in touch with Annette Jäckle, Understanding Society Associate Director for Innovations, to discuss your ideas in the first instance.
What is the sample size of the Innovation Panel?
We estimate that the sample size in Wave 17 will be about 2,900 individuals.
Where can I find out about the content of the Innovation Panel?
You can find the Innovation Panel questionnaires here and the User Guide here.
Who judges the competition?
All proposals are reviewed for feasibility and considered by a panel made up of members of the Understanding Society Principal Investigator’s team. We may send proposals to additional external topic experts.
Can I make more than one proposal?
Yes – there is no set limit to the number or proportion of proposals that will be accepted. As many good proposals as can reasonably be carried out in conjunction with one another will be accepted.
When will I find out if my idea has been accepted?
Proposers are usually notified in July 2023. Final acceptance is conditional on fully establishing the feasibility of the proposed study with the fieldwork agency.
How do I calculate expected question timings?
We use the following rule of thumb for different question formats: yes-no questions 10 seconds, ‘select one’ single choice questions 15 seconds, ‘select all that apply’ multi-choice questions 18 seconds, open numeric questions 16 seconds, and open text questions 71 seconds. The expected question timings take into account the proportion of the sample asked the question and the timing per question. For example, for a “single choice” question asked of women only, the expected question time is the proportion of female respondents (0.55) x the timing of a single choice question (15 seconds) = 8.25 seconds.
Do I have to pay for anything?
Standard data collection costs will be borne by Understanding Society and there will be no cost to successful proposers. Costs for non-standard elements of data collection (e.g. additional mailings or task-related incentive payouts) will be borne by proposers.
When will the data be made available?
The data are made available to competition proposers as soon as possible and in advance of general release via the UK Data Service.
What do you expect from successful applicants?
Successful proposers work with the Innovation Panel survey team to develop and finalise the details of the implementation of the proposal. Researchers are expected to analyse and report on the main outcome(s) in a summary form appropriate for inclusion in a Working Paper and publish their findings based on the resultant data.