The Ethics of College Students as Research Participants: an Analysis of Guidelines in University IRB Websites in the United States

Abstract Existing research on students participating in human subjects research (HSR) has focused on the implications of these samples for the generalizability and validity of the data and conclusions. In this article, we focus on the ethical dimensions of students as research subjects by analyzing IRB websites framing this issue at 100 universities in the United States. We find differences in the frequency of engagement with this topic across PhD-granting research universities compared to undergraduate-focused institutions, but common themes. We conducted a content analysis to examine how websites discussed consent, confidentiality, and the relationship between research participation and learning. We find that IRB websites across institutional types mention concerns about vulnerability—especially related to consent and coercion when instructors recruit their own students—as well as concerns related to confidentiality. Further, many IRB websites underscore the educational benefit of research participation. Understanding how institutional websites discuss students’ involvement in research sheds light on the regulatory and educational role of IRBs, as well as the ethical considerations faculty and others should weigh when conducting human subjects research with students.