The CoB Behavioral Research Lab (BRL) is a vibrant, interdisciplinary space where business meets human behavior. Located in Hartman Hall, room 2040, the lab empowers researchers, instructors and participants to explore the psychological and behavioral forces that drive decision-making in business.
With state-of-the-art tools for designing surveys, conducting experiments and facilitating focus groups, the BRL fosters hands-on learning, innovative research and meaningful collaboration across disciplines. Its mission is to spark transformative insights, support impactful scholarship and position the College of Business as a leader in behavioral research—advancing knowledge, shaping practice and inspiring future changemakers.
Participants
Faculty and student researchers frequently conduct studies where students are invited to participate. As a participant, you will gain firsthand experience with behavioral research and may earn extra credit in participating courses.
How to Register:
- Tutorial: coming soon
- Sign up here: jmu-cob.sona-systems.com
Policies:
- Students who miss a study without canceling will be unable to sign up for future studies.
- If you cannot attend a study, cancel at least 1 hour in advance to avoid penalty.
- If JMU is closed due to inclement weather, all studies are cancelled during the closure period. You will not be penalized or awarded credit in this case.
Researchers
The BRL currently offers 24 computers for data collection, and shares the Center for Professional Sales' office spaces. The Center offers six rooms equipped with video and voice recording technology for focus groups, interviews or team studies. Courtesy of the School of Strategic Leadership Studies, researchers have access to an eye-tracking device.
Scheduling Studies
- Timeslots for the lab can be reserved through Sona Systems Software. All full time faculty at JMU College of Business may use their JMU credentials to log into the system as a Researcher.
- Log in: https://jmu-cob.sona-systems.com
For detailed instructions on using Sona and creating a study, please watch the tutorial on YouTube.
Instructors
In alignment with JMU's College of Business innovative and collaborative values, we invite all CoB faculty to contribute to the BRL subject pool. One way to support this initiative is by offering extra credit to your students who participate in research studies.
Guidelines:
To add your courses and students to the BRL Subject Pool, please fill out the interest form - coming soon.
Suggested Syllabi Language:
“You may earn up to [X points or % of final grade] of extra credit by participating in research studies through the CoB Behavioral Research Lab (BRL). Opportunities will be announced throughout the semester. To participate, sign up via the BRL participant portal, attend scheduled sessions and ensure your participation is recorded. Students who prefer not to participate may complete an equivalent alternative assignment to earn the same amount of extra credit.”
Hours of operation:
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
