8.0 Recruiting Research Subjects

The IRB is responsible for ensuring the equitable selection of research subjects (45CFR46.111(a)(3) and 21CFR576.111(a)(3)).  In fulfilling this responsibility, the IRB shall review the methods that investigators use to recruit subjects.

Drake University IRB follows the reimbursement model when considering payments made to research subjects.  This model allows payments to be made to research subjects for direct expenses incurred while participating in a particular research project.  However, this payment must not be lucrative enough to serve as an inducement or provide coercion for participation in the study.  A payment is reimbursement when it is meant to directly offset the out-of-pocket costs that a subject may incur.  This could include reimbursement for expenses such as gas, parking, travel expenses, childcare, food, lost wages, and other expenses that the subject may incur while participating in the study.  Modest enticements to participate in the research project will be considered on a case by case basis, but could impede the approval of a proposal.  The researcher should justify any payments and enticements to research subjects in their application materials.

8.1  ADVERTISING FOR RESEARCH SUBJECTS
 When advertising is to be used to recruit human subjects for research that is to be conducted within, supported by or under the responsibility of Drake University, the IRB shall review the information contained in the advertisement and the mode of its communication to determine if the procedure for recruiting subjects affords adequate protection.  The following are not included in this requirement for IRB review:

  • Peer communication intended to be seen or heard by other educators
  • News stories
  • Publicity intended for other audiences, but including reference to the research project

Advertisements used to recruit human subjects should be seen as an extension of the informed consent and subject selection processes.  IRB review is necessary to ensure that information is not misleading to subjects, especially when a study will involve persons with physical or mental illness or persons who are economically or educationally disadvantaged.

Generally, any advertisement to recruit subjects should be limited to:

  • Name and address of the research investigator
  • Purpose of the research and eligibility criteria that will be used to admit subjects into the study
  • Description of the benefits (e.g., compensation or credit) to the subject for participation in the study
  • Time or other commitment required of subjects
  • Location of the research and the person to contact for further information

Advertisements may not be directed to minors.  Advertisements intended to recruit minor subjects must be directed to minors' parents or guardians and must be sent to the IRB for prior review.

8.2 FINDER'S FEES
 The Drake University IRB considers it unethical for investigators to provide “finder's fees” to those who refer subjects to them for possible involvement in research studies.  The IRB will not approve research proposals that involve such payments.

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