What is one approach faculty researchers can use to avoid coercing student subjects?

Avoiding the use of one's own students in research is a viable approach for faculty researchers to prevent any perceptions or realities of coercion. When faculty members recruit their own students as research subjects, the power dynamics inherent in the faculty-student relationship can create a situation where students may feel obligated to participate, either to please the researcher or due to fear that non-participation could impact their academic standing or relationship with the instructor. This can compromise the voluntary nature of participation, which is a fundamental ethical principle in research involving human subjects.

By opting not to involve their own students, researchers can foster a more equitable environment for participation, ensuring that students feel free to decline without any negative repercussions. This choice promotes ethical standards and reinforces the integrity of the research process, focusing on voluntary and informed consent.

Other approaches mentioned, such as offering course credit for participation or providing compensation, can still present ethical concerns, as they may inadvertently pressure students into participating. Using their own students in a larger study inherently carries risk, as the power imbalance might still influence students’ decisions, even if the study is broader in scope. Therefore, avoiding the involvement of their students is a clearer step toward ethical research practices.