Considered spending intersession being monitored with rectal temperature sensors, guaranteed not to cause "continuing discomfort"? Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital hope that this proposition will pique student interest--along with the $900 paycheck.

Such a hefty sum might draw a few brave souls--students said that money is the primary reason they participate in psych experiments to begin with. Others may be fulfilling course requirements or considering psychology as a possible concentration.

But how far will student go for academic or monetary kudos? For better or for worse, the College sets limits. Studies that use students are approved by a special committee to ensure that the risk to students is minimal.

Rectal temperature sensors is extreme, but not too extreme for those at Brigham and Women's Hospital attempting to find out the best way to help people adapt to nightwork. By evaluating the role light exposure may have on night time alertness and performance, scientists hope to uncover ways to make nightwork easier.

Unfortunately, the director of the experiment is out of town and could not be reached for comment. However, some students who contacted the study's organizers were sent an informational e-mail describing the more disturbing aspects of what the money is paying for--38 hours without sleep, and with sensors. Posters advertising the study across campus fail to mention the sensors, instead choosing to highlight the cash payment.

Many students decided not to partake in the study.

"Obviously they're not going to put this on the sign, but things like rectal thermometers and staying up [that long]... is not going to bring in students. I think upon learning that most people would decide it's not worth the money no matter how much it is," Daniel E. Kim '00 said. Kim decided not to participate after learning more about the study.

Albert H. Cho '02, who estimates that he has participated in 20 Psych studies since arriving at Harvard this fall, agreed.

"I would never do a study that had any potential for anything dangerous or unpleasant. Anything that violates me like that is unacceptable," Cho said.

Instead of provoking physical discomfort, many of the experiments students like Cho participate in verge on boring.

"A lot of them are a little mundane," Cho admitted.

"There was one where they asked me to sit in a room and sort 200 index cards into 12 piles," he said.

A number of students disagreed, saying that the studies can be both interesting and a good way to learn about psychology.

"I've liked the activities for the most part...It's been a good experience, and it's interesting to learn about psychology," said Rupal C. Pinto '02, who has participated in about five studies this year.

Regardless, the money is what keeps students coming back again and again. The studies typically pay between $5 and $10 for a half-hour of time.