Student subjects are an integral part of certain research studies, such as research on teaching methods and comparisons of curricula. Any subject’s participation in research must be voluntary and 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 and believe 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 research subjects, the protocol must be thoughtfully developed to balance the interests of subject protection and research goals.

The following items should be considered when using students as research subjects:

• Adult students (>18) should generally be the participants. If underage students are sought, a parent permission and child assent form must also be included in the protocol and approved by the IRB.
• Students should be consented and give permission for access to any FERPA- protected information.
• When course credit/extra credit is offered as an incentive for participation, other options for receiving credit must also be offered.
• When research activities are independent of course activities, investigators should avoid data collection during normal class hours and enlist an outside individual to interact with subjects (including consent and collection of data).
• Subject recruiting should be accomplished in a non-coercive manner, such as general announcements.
• Extra care should be taken to maintain confidentiality since all subjects may be known to the investigator and to all other subjects.

Research subject pools may address many of the above concerns since students can volunteer to participate in any study within the pool. Investigators should keep in mind that an alternative to research participation must still be offered so that students are not forced to serve as research subjects.