Research Ethics and Policy Series (REPS) | Emily A. Largent, PhD, JD, RN

Offers of Payment for Research Participation

The federal regulations applicable to research with human subjects do not explicitly address offers of payment for research participation. Instead, they require that the consent process minimize the possibility of coercion and undue influence. Investigators and IRBs may keep offers of payment low to avoid these concerns, risking inadequate recruitment and insufficient recognition of research participants’ time and burden. Understanding the functions of payment to research participants and the role of the IRB helps to clarify that, from an ethical perspective, we ought to be less worried about payments that are too high and more worried about payments that are too low. Yet, even if higher payments are ethically appropriate, they may lead to practical concerns.  How can participants be paid in a way that is fair and supportive of study goals?​​​​​​​