Which Is True of Inducements in Research?

Which Is True of Inducements in Research?

A. Inducements, like coercion, are always inappropriate, as they violate the ethical principle of respect for persons.

B. Inducements constitute an "undue influence" if they alter a potential subject's decision-making processes, such that they do not appropriately weigh the risk-benefit relationship of the research.

C. Like coercion, undue inducement is easy for IRBs to determine.

D. Offering $10 for an hour-long research study constitutes undue inducement.
 

Correct Answer: B. Inducements constitute an "undue influence" if they alter a potential subject's decision-making processes, such that they do not appropriately weigh the risk-benefit relationship of the research.

Explanation

Inducements in research are offers meant to encourage people to take part in a study, like financial rewards or other incentives. Inducements themselves are not unethical, but they become a problem when they turn into undue influence. This happens when the offer is so large that it affects a person's ability to make a clear decision and causes them to overlook the risks involved. Ethical research requires informed and voluntary participation, and undue inducement threatens this by potentially distorting the decision-making process. Unlike clear threats of force seen in coercion, undue influence is more subtle but still undermines a person's autonomy. Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) assess whether inducements might have this effect, but these decisions usually depend on the specific context and are often complex. Offering a small amount of money, like $10 for an hour of participation, is generally seen as a fair reward and not