Princeton offers a number of paid studies and surveys through its Psychology department from time to time. Past topics include online communication methods, dating preferences, and product preferences. If you're interested in participating in one of these studies, you'll need to fill out a preliminary survey through the department to determine your eligibility. Once you fill this out, you'll be notified of any opportunities you're eligible for by email. Payment is in the form of $10 gift certificates.
Carnegie Mellon's Center for Behavioral Decision Research also recruits participants for paid research surveys online. To become a member of the Online Participant pool, you must request an account through the CBDR's website and take a prescreening survey. You may choose to receive email notification of surveys you're qualified for, or search the available surveys on the website yourself. Payment depends on the researcher and may be in the form of a check or gift certificate.
Duke's Fuqua School of Business is another source of paid survey and research study opportunities. These surveys revolve around business and marketing research, investigating buying patterns and decision-making styles. The program has conducted studies to include over four thousand participants among Duke students and members of the community. All you need to do to participate is view current opportunities and select a timeslot if you meet eligibility requirements. Payment is in cash; dollar amounts vary depending on time commitment.
Harvard University's Psychology Department is also in need of participants for its paid surveys. Surveys are open to Psychology students for course credit, and members of the community for $10 an hour. To participate, create an account at the Study Pool Home Page, and sign up from a list of available surveys. A pre-screening survey is available but not mandatory, although completion of the pr-screening survey may qualify you for additional opportunities.