Take Part In Our Research
Take Part
Re-examining Taboo, Emotionally Valenced, & Emotionally Neutral Word Norms
We are currently recruiting people to take part in a study that is trying to understand what makes a swear word, a swear word. The study simply requires you to make ratings about 120 different words, 83 of which could be considered ‘swear words’ (i.e., they could be considered rude or offensive in certain contexts). Along with rating the words you will also provide some demographic information and complete three questionnaires relating to your personality. We can’t pay you to take part, but you will be entered into a draw to win one of three £75 Amazon gift vouchers.
If you’d like to know more about the study, please read the information below. If you’d like to take part, simply complete the form (to the right (or below if your on a mobile) and we’ll email you then link.
Please note: while the study includes 83 swear words, no racial or ethnic slurs have been included. Also, you must be over 18 years old to take part.
Why take part?
The study is looking to understand what makes a swear word, a swear word and how different people’s personalities and demographics shape this by collecting a very large amount of data from people all over the world. This will allow us to better understand the differences in how native and non-native English speakers view English swear words. Or how the words considered offensive differ based on someone’s age or gender. And you can help us with!
When, where, how long?
The study is online, you just need an internet connect device (e.g., a computer, tablet or phone) to take part. There is no specialist equipment needed and you can complete the study where and when suits you. We’d suggest a quiet location so you’re not disturbed, though.
Please be aware, however, the study takes around 45 minutes to complete. It is possible to stop/restart the study as you go, though, you just need to use the same browser each time and not clear your browsing history.
I'd like to take part but I still have some questions...
If you have questions that you’d like answering before you take part that’s totally fine. Just click the button below to be taken to our contact form so you can send us your questions and we’ll reply with the answers as soon as we can.
How to take part...
Please complete the form below to check if you are eligible.
Participant Information Sheet
The study has been given favourable ethical approval by the University of Reading’s School of Psychology Research Ethics Commitee (2024-014-PB; expiry 17/09/2027)