Applying Equity Theory to Students' Perceptions of Research Participation Requirements

Human subject pools have been a valuable resource to universities conducting research with student participants. However, the costs and benefits to student participants must be carefully weighed by students, researchers, and institutional review board administrators in order to avoid coercion. Participant perceptions are pivotal in deciding whether coercion is a concern. In the current study, students answered an anonymous survey after completing 3 hr of research-related activities. In order to gauge the relative value of research participation in participants’ eyes, we computed perceived benefits–costs ratios for research participation and for class attendance in a sample of university students. Results indicated that participants thought attendance and research requirements were generally positive experiences even after considering the costs. However, the benefits of research participation decreased with an increase in required research hours. Suggestions on how to increase student benefits and decrease costs of research requirements are provided.
Source: Teaching of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Faculty Forum Source Type: research