Human Subject Payments
Description
Payment or non-monetary reward to subjects as remuneration for time and inconvenience of participation in research studies, as well as an incentive to participate. Compensation can include monetary (cash, gift cards, vouchers, etc.) and/or non-monetary (gifts/promotional items, course credit, extra credit, etc.) enumeration.
Examples of Human Subject Payments
In a study measuring stress in undergrads majoring in Engineering fields, students are compensated with a $5 Amazon e-gift card for completing an on-line survey.
In a Psychology study focused on math comprehension in early elementary students, parents completed surveys and visited a lab on campus with their children. Parents and children were observed while completing research activities. Families were paid $40 in cash after each lab visit.
Through an NSF-funded project, a PI is creating a prototype for virtual reality driven archaeological excavations. UIUC students will be recruited to test the prototype. Each student will be paid $20 in cash.
Researchers conduct a reading activity at a local elementary school. Students are observed and teachers provide feedback. Each of the students receives $5 in cash and teachers are given a $50 gift card.
Participant Support Costs vs. Human Subject Payments
| Participant Support Costs | Human Subject Payments | |
|---|---|---|
| Supports non-employees while participating in sponsored project funded conferences, workshops, and training activities | ||
| Provides compensation or incentives to individuals serving as subjects in research studies | ||
| Requires prior approval from the awarding agency | ||
| Requires an approved IRB protocol | ||
| Charges will assess F&A in Banner | ||
| Separate fund will be created in Banner | ||
| Employees may participate or receive payment |
Related Documents and Resources
- PSC vs. Human Subject Payments - 2018 SPaRC Retreat Slides
- NSF Policy Newsletter - PSC Explained (pg 3)