What is a screener?
A screener is a brief, unpaid questionnaire researchers use to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a paid research study. Learn what screeners are, how they work, tips to qualify for studies, and why you might be disqualified even with a strong profile.
Are screeners paid?
No. Screeners are not paid. You’re paid only after you attend or complete the study and the researcher confirms your attendance.
How screeners work (step-by-step)
Find a study in Respondent and click “Start Screener”.
Answer the unpaid screener (2–10 questions).
The researcher reviews responses and decides whom to invite.
If invited, you schedule (for interviews) or complete tasks (for unmoderated).
How to pass a screener (do’s & don’ts)
Do’s
Be honest and specific (job title, tools you actually use, frequency, budgets, timelines).
Keep your participant profile updated so answers are consistent.
Read carefully for must-have criteria (e.g., region, company size, weekly tool use).
Don'ts
Don’t exaggerate or guess. Misrepresentation risks removal from the study/platform.
Don’t share sensitive info unless requested on-platform.
Double screening scenarios
For some projects run with a select group of trusted partners, you may be asked to complete a second screener off-site (on the partner’s platform) after your Respondent screener.
What to expect:
You’ll complete two screeners: one for the respondent and then one for the partner’s platform.
Both screeners are unpaid.
You can be not selected (“disqualified”) at either step if the criteria aren’t met.
The payment flow remains unchanged: if you’re invited and attend/complete the session, your incentive will still be issued to Respondent and delivered via Tremendous.
Safety tips:
Follow the links provided in your project thread or Respondent notifications.
Keep communications and payments on the platform; never pay fees to “qualify.”
If something appears to be incorrect, please report it (see Related articles).
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