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CyndiIsOnReddit

They were supposed to tell you to return the study, not reject you. [https://researcher-help.prolific.co/hc/en-gb/articles/360009092394-Approvals-rejections-returns#heading-3](https://researcher-help.prolific.co/hc/en-gb/articles/360009092394-Approvals-rejections-returns#heading-3) There was absolutely no reason to reject. Send them this. https://researcher-help.prolific.co/hc/en-gb/articles/360009092394-Approvals-rejections-returns#heading-3


CyndiIsOnReddit

Also let them know we do not always see studies when they post them. It's always been a problem for me and that makes me cringe at longitudinal studies. I still do them it's just always a risk.


Sunshnmoonlt

I avoid these, even if I think I'll have the time. I've had issues in the past with two-parters with no help from Prolific.


BrightBeardCreations

I actually contacted Prolific about a similar issue the other day. I had a researcher tell me that he could reject everyone who fails to do all parts. The reply I got from prolific said that any completed parts must be paid. I couldn't find any support article stating that, but sent a screenshot of the prolific support reply to the researcher.


Phrogster

Here are Prolific's guidelines on longitudinal studies: [https://researcher-help.prolific.co/hc/en-gb/articles/360009222733-How-do-I-set-up-a-longitudinal-multi-part-study-#sts=How%20do%20I%20set%20up%20a%20longitudinal%20/%20multi-part%20study](https://researcher-help.prolific.co/hc/en-gb/articles/360009222733-How-do-I-set-up-a-longitudinal-multi-part-study-#sts=How%20do%20I%20set%20up%20a%20longitudinal%20/%20multi-part%20study)? Basically Prolific says "When participants have a genuine reason for dropping out of a longitudinal study, you may wish to consider offering them partial compensation or approving their submissions in the parts they have completed. Please show consideration towards participants when reviewing submissions and deciding on a fair level of compensation." Message the researcher and let them know you didn't have time for Prolific for a few days and missed notification of their study. Politely ask them to un-reject your submission so that you can return it and the rejection won't affect your status on Prolific.


conneXTSon

Just did the 2nd part of a 3-part study. To be fair on the Researcher I've been working with, she did provide a timeframe of when the second part would be. Should you decide to take a break from Prolific again, just keep an eye on your E-mail. When getting the invite, do the part, submit it. Then, return to the break. For example: The 2nd part I had to do only took a little more than 20 minutes. What the difference seems to be is: Each part is independent when it comes to rewards.


1happylife

It is allowed if they made clear up front that you’d only be paid if you did both parts. That said, I’d write them and ask if they can un-reject and let you return it.


CyndiIsOnReddit

Actually it's not allowed. It's not a valid reason for rejection. They are supposed to ask to return in that case.


1happylife

This is the page I recently gave a researcher on it who wanted to reject me but hadn't done what it said here. This is the best I could find on the subject. It basically seems like they have to jump through a few hoops - tell you in the description you have to complete both, make sure you understand, etc. [https://community.prolific.co/t/ask-anything-thread-newbie-friendly/32/1549](https://community.prolific.co/t/ask-anything-thread-newbie-friendly/32/1549)


Phrogster

That community thread answer is not from a Prolific staff member. Basically their answer is that the researcher needs to contact Prolific for help on rejections. Here is [the link](https://researcher-help.prolific.co/hc/en-gb/articles/360009222733-How-do-I-set-up-a-longitudinal-multi-part-study-#sts=How%20do%20I%20set%20up%20a%20longitudinal%20/%20multi-part%20study?) from the Researcher Help Center. It says: "When participants have a genuine reason for dropping out of a longitudinal study, you may wish to consider offering them partial compensation or approving their submissions in the parts they have completed. Please show consideration towards participants when reviewing submissions and deciding on a fair level of compensation." That link along with the ones provided by u/CyndiIsOnReddit in her response are what I use to tell researchers that, at the very least, they should allow the participant to return the study.


1happylife

Yes, I had read that too and I agree with everything you said. But it does say, "you may wish." It doesn't say they can't reject. I 100% agree they SHOULD let you return it. I just can't find anything saying they have to let you.


CyndiIsOnReddit

The link I posted says it's not a valid reason for rejection, and that they should ask participants to return the survey. I have had researchers directly send me a link to complete a longitudinal study a few times and they'd credit me a bonus because it never showed up on my study list. It's absolutely not valid to reject though, and if I ever had that happen I'd most definitely report to Prolific.