Inducements in research refer to the incentives offered to participants to encourage their participation in a study. Here are some key points that are generally true about inducements in research:
Explanation Inducements must be ethically appropriate. They should not be so large as to coerce participation, especially among vulnerable populations. Participants must be fully informed about the nature of the inducement as part of the informed consent process. This ensures that their decision to participate is voluntary and informed. Inducements must comply with institutional and regulatory guidelines, which may vary depending on the type of research and the population being studied. Inducements should be fair and proportional to the time and effort required from participants. They should not unduly influence a participant’s decision to take part in the research. The use and amount of inducements should be clearly outlined in the research protocol and approved by an ethics review board.
