Students as Research Subjects

An underlying principle of the regulations governing use of human subjects in research is that the subject's participation is voluntary, based upon full and accurate information. The relationship of instructor and student is inherently of unequal power. No matter how well intentioned the instructor is, students may feel compelled to participate, believing that failure to do so will negatively affect their grades and the attitude of the instructor (and perhaps other students) toward them.

In pursuing research activities wherein students are your subjects, thoughtful development of a protocol that balances the competing interests of subject protection and valuable research may appear challenging, but it is doable. If instructors have questions about a particular methodology, please consult with an IRB chairperson.