The researcher is recruiting participants from their own students.  What are the risks?

• If the research proposed involves gathering data from, about, or engaging a student or students they have some responsibility over to gather data for the researcher, then there is an inherent conflict of interest. Special precautions need to be taken to ensure that this conflict is managed and there is no unintended coercion. Students may feel as if they will be punished, disappoint the teacher or receive a lower grade if they choose not to participate in the project. Some options to remedy the situation are offered below:
  • The study can be presented by a colleague or somebody not involved with the students to allow students to make a decision without feeling obligated to comply.
  • The study can be completely anonymous. Data must be collected in a manner that does not allow the teacher to determine which students participated.
  • The teacher can collect the data and hold it for research use until after the class has been completed and grading is complete. This method can only be used where the same teacher will not teach the same students in the following semester.
  • If appropriate, the study may be conducted utilizing assignments that are part of the normal curriculum.
• In addition to these precautions, the consent form or assent form needs to state that the students will not receive any penalty nor will the teacher get upset, if they choose not to participate.  The consent/assent should be clear about what controls will be used.
• To meet the requirements under FERPA:  The researcher will need consent to use student data gathered for teaching purposes for research use.  This permission should be included in the research informed consent or the course syllabus with instructions for how to opt out.

More information on Faculty Use of Student Data in Research Policy

Last updated: 5/8/2023