4.4 - Economically or Educationally Disadvantaged Persons

Economically or educationally disadvantaged persons are those persons placed at special risk by socioeconomic and educational background.Economically disadvantaged persons include those persons who struggle to provide basic necessities for themselves and their families or communities. Therefore, the use of financial incentives for research participation is a special issue with economically disadvantaged persons. Medical care, remedial education, and financial remuneration are common incentives in research. To a person who is economically disadvantaged, seemingly nominal inducements may be powerfully coercive. Incentives cannot be so strong that they take away a person's voluntary choice to participate in research. Educationally disadvantaged persons may have educational deficits, learning disabilities, or cultural backgrounds that limit communication with a researcher. It is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure that a subject is fully informed. This includes presenting material at an appropriate level, in an appropriate language, and via an appropriate medium (e.g., verbal or visual).