Subject Rights

Although in common use, the term subject rights somewhat misleads semantically because the label subject is inconsistent with the language typically found in qualitative research. The term participant is more appropriate, because it conveys something apart from subject. Both terms are used interchangeably in this entry. Participant rights per se subsume such subject rights as may be included in ethical guidelines provided by organizations such as the American Psychological Association or the research ethics boards of institutions in which research is conducted.

Shared sets of expectations exist across research communities for information provided to participants and anticipated protective measures required for research that is conducted under the auspices of publicly or professionally accountable organizations. Because case study research may deepen the level of expected engagement, exposure, and disclosure, the rights accorded to participants must be reflected in researcher anticipations and subsequent obligations in ways that respect the letter of requirements and also in ways that honor the spirit of involvement.

Participation in research may be sought by means of a general appeal for volunteers, such as might be communicated through a popular and available medium. In a university context, depending on sample appropriateness, student involvement may be desirable; students often volunteer in exchange for academic credit or out of personal interest. Sampling methods including clustering, snowball, or other techniques that might attract an appropriate sample related by concern or interest to the topic of the research.

However the sample is accessed, each participant has certain basic rights that are more or less universally agreed upon. These rights include knowing the purpose of the research, understanding the procedures involved, the frequency of consultation, and the duration of interviews or testing procedures. Further rights include informing participants of anticipated effects, including risks or discomforts, and also benefits—to self, family, or others in similar circumstances, including community members or others who may benefit in the future. Participant expectations of privacy, anonymity, and confidentiality should be fully explained and guaranteed as possible under the research conditions and contacts provided for further information or complaints. The researcher must stress that participation is always voluntary and not be connected to benefits, services, or conditions of employment or study. Withdrawal at any time for any reason must be allowed. An informed consent form that explains the foregoing issues should be provided for participant signature in agreement to the terms and conditions of the research.

Because much research in psychology and sociology deals with behaviors, patterns, and choices that deviate from social norms or expectations, at-risk populations or individuals alienated from larger society (e.g., members of minority groups, cult members, prisoners) may be singled out. The effects of labeling an individual as a member of an alienated group has an effect in and of itself, with implications that may enhance or diminish participant's sense of self-worth and his or her relationships with important others. Alienation may also create tensions between researcher and participant and distort communication and meaning.

Research participants have the right to not be selected. Applicants for study participation may not meet the criteria for involvement, depending on a variety of factors. Inclusiveness of participant traits depends entirely on the research question and study design. A study of reading skills for non-native English speakers automatically excludes native speakers of English irrespective of any other characteristic. Excessively narrow parameters for participant selection can predispose response patterns.

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