If you plan to offer any reimbursement or incentives, clearly justify the reason and explain how the amount is calculated. Include a budget to show that compensation is reasonable and appropriate.
Monetary incentives should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Compensation is meant to cover costs or inconvenience, not to be seen as a benefit. It may improve participation rates and help ensure a representative sample.
Consider these points:
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Is the compensation fair and reasonable?
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What happens if participants do not complete the study?
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Are participants’ out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., travel, data costs) covered?
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For minors, who receives the compensation?
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Could excluding compensation affect participation or study outcomes?
Remember: Offering incentives automatically classifies the study as medium risk and requires additional institutional review.