Screener guide

Know what they’ll ask
before you apply.

Almost every paid study starts with a screener: a short questionnaire that decides who gets invited. Here are the kinds of questions you will see, why recruiters ask them, and how to answer so you are considered fairly.

What a screener is for

Recruiters need a specific mix of people for each session. The screener checks that you match the study and fills quotas, so a “no” often means that spot is already filled.

The one rule that matters

Answer honestly and consistently. Screeners include checks for guessing, and recruiters share notes on people who misrepresent themselves. An honest “no” keeps you eligible for the next study.

About you and your household

Recruiters fill each group to a quota, such as a mix of ages, regions, and household types. These questions come first because they rule people in or out fastest.

  1. What is your ZIP code?
  2. Which age range are you in?
  3. How many people live in your household, and how many are under 18?
  4. Which range best describes your total household income before taxes?
  5. What is the highest level of education you have completed?
  6. Which best describes your current employment status?
  7. Do you own or rent your home?

Tip: Answer these exactly as your panel profile says. Recruiters compare them across screeners, and a mismatch is the most common reason people are quietly removed.

Industry and conflict of interest

Clients do not want feedback from people who work in their industry or in research. This is sometimes called a security question.

  1. Do you or anyone in your household work in market research, advertising, marketing, or public relations?
  2. Do you or anyone in your household work for a company that makes, sells, or distributes [the product category]?
  3. Do you work in journalism or media?
  4. Have you ever worked for a law firm, court, or insurance company?
  5. Do you work for a healthcare provider, pharmacy, or drug manufacturer?

Tip: A “yes” usually ends the screener. That is normal, and saying “no” when the answer is yes can get you banned if it comes out later.

Past research participation

Recruiters want fresh opinions, not professional participants, so many limit how often you can take part.

  1. When did you last take part in a paid focus group, interview, or research study?
  2. In the past 6 months, have you taken part in a study about [the topic]?
  3. How many paid research studies have you taken part in over the past year?
  4. Are you currently scheduled for any other research study?

Tip: Keep a simple log of each study: date, topic, and company. It makes these questions easy to answer truthfully.

Products, brands, and buying habits

Most consumer studies need people who actually use the product, often a specific brand, and often recently.

  1. Which of these have you bought in the past 3 months? Select all that apply.
  2. Which brand do you buy most often?
  3. How often do you use [the product]?
  4. Who in your household makes most decisions about buying [the product]?
  5. About how much do you spend on [the category] in a typical month?
  6. Which of these streaming services, apps, or stores do you currently use?

Tip: “Select all that apply” lists often include a brand that does not exist. Only select what you really use.

Health and medical studies

Clinical research has strict eligibility rules to protect participants and keep results valid. Health answers matter for your safety, not just for qualifying.

  1. Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with any of the following conditions?
  2. Which prescription medications or supplements do you currently take?
  3. Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy in the next year?
  4. Have you taken part in another clinical trial in the past 30 days?
  5. Can you swallow pills or capsules without difficulty?
  6. Are you willing to keep your current diet, exercise, and medications the same during the study?
  7. Can you attend scheduled visits or check-ins for the full length of the study?
  8. What are your approximate height and weight?

Tip: Never hide a condition or medication to qualify. Study teams usually verify eligibility before you enroll, and inaccurate answers can put your health at risk.

Mock jury studies

Attorneys need a panel that looks like a real jury pool for the court where the case will be tried, with no link to the people involved.

  1. Are you a U.S. citizen and registered to vote in this county?
  2. Have you ever served on a jury? Was it a civil or criminal case?
  3. Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
  4. Have you or a close family member ever sued someone or been sued?
  5. Have you ever been seriously injured in an accident or filed an insurance claim?
  6. Do you know anyone who works for [the companies or firms named]?
  7. How do you feel about large damage awards in lawsuits?

Tip: There is no “right” opinion. Recruiters want a range of views, so answer attitude questions candidly.

Professional and B2B studies

Higher-paying interviews with professionals depend on your role, so screeners check that your experience is real and current.

  1. What is your job title, and which industry do you work in?
  2. How many employees work at your company?
  3. What is your role in choosing [the software, service, or equipment]?
  4. How many years have you worked in this role?
  5. Which of these tools does your team use today?
  6. Can you briefly describe a recent decision you made about [the topic]?

Tip: Expect a short follow-up call or a LinkedIn check for well-paid expert studies. Be ready to talk about your work in specifics.

Open-ended “articulation” questions

Group sessions need people who speak up and explain their thinking. A written answer is a quick test of that.

  1. Describe the last time you bought [the product]. What made you choose it?
  2. If you could change one thing about [the product or service], what would it be and why?
  3. Tell us about a hobby or interest you are passionate about.
  4. What would you say to a friend who is thinking about trying [the product]?

Tip: Write two to four specific sentences. One-word or copy-pasted answers are the fastest way to be passed over.

Technology, scheduling, and location

A great fit who cannot join the call or reach the facility still cannot take part, so recruiters confirm practical details early.

  1. Do you have a computer with a working webcam and microphone?
  2. Is your internet connection reliable enough for a one-hour video call?
  3. Which type of smartphone do you use, iPhone or Android?
  4. Can you join from a quiet, private space?
  5. Which of these dates and times are you available?
  6. Can you travel to our facility at [address] and arrive 15 minutes early?

Tip: Only choose times you can truly make. No-shows are often recorded and can stop future invitations.

Common questions about screeners

Is it OK to guess what answer they want?

No. Recruiters design screeners to catch guessing, with made-up brands, repeated questions, and follow-up calls. People who misrepresent themselves are often removed from panels, and in medical studies it can be unsafe.

Why did I get screened out after answering everything?

Most screeners fill quotas. You may have been a good fit for a group that was already full. It is not a judgment on you, and the next study may be different.

Should a screener ask for my Social Security number or bank details?

Not at the screening stage. Some organizers request tax information later, after you have taken part and are being paid. Be cautious with any request for sensitive details before you have been selected.

Do I ever have to pay to take part?

No. Legitimate research pays you. A fee to apply, a “starter kit,” or a check you must deposit and send money back from are signs of a scam.

How can I get picked more often?

Keep your panel profiles complete and up to date, respond to screeners quickly, write thoughtful open-ended answers, and show up on time to every study you accept.

Find a study to apply for How to qualify for high-paying studies

Examples are illustrative and written by Focus Group Money. Each organizer writes its own screener and sets its own eligibility rules.