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Ethical considerations need to be made
From a research ethics point of view, it is important to ensure that the compensation given is at a reasonable level. In addition to compensation for travel expenses et cetera, researchers often wish to give compensation to show their appreciation for the efforts made by research subjects. However, the compensation must not be too high, as this may influence potential research subjects to participate against their better judgement, and thus be considered to constitute undue inducements.
What is an appropriate compensation level and type of compensation varies between different types of research and contexts. Of course, the research subject's contribution is relevant, but also the extent to which a certain compensation may constitute an "undue inducement" in relation to the intended research subjects. How attractive an amount or type of compensation is differs between people. For example, people living in economic vulnerability can be influenced to participate by lower amounts than people who are better off. If research concerns adults with reduced decision-making capacity or children, researchers should be extra restrictive in offering compensation.
In the information provided to potential research subjects, it must be stated whether compensation will be offered. In some cases, however, this information should not be given in connection with the recruitment of research subjects, especially if these are children or others who are inclined to be influenced to participate by the prospect of receiving compensation.
Sometimes it is considered more appropriate to give compensation to a group or organization than to individuals, for example in situations where not only the research subjects contribute to and promote the research in various ways. It can also be justified by the fact that compensation for certain people can create unwanted effects in a certain group or society.
Another aspect to consider is whether the level of compensation may have a negative impact on the representativeness of the people who choose to participate in the research, and thus the quality of the data and the reliability of the results. A common argument is that compensation can attract people with low incomes to participate, which can create a bias that in some cases damages the research. Another argument could be that if the compensation is so high that some people are eager to participate because of it, they may choose to withhold certain information that could make them ineligible to participate. This can harm both the research and the persons themselves.
Stockholm University has no general guidelines
Stockholm University has no general guidelines regarding compensation to research subjects, but some departments may have their own guidelines. At other Swedish universities it is commonly considered that a reasonable amount for compensation is between SEK 100 and 400 for adults who do not have reduced decision-making capacity. Compensation is often given in the form of cinema tickets or gift cards of smaller amounts.
Compensation must be described for ethical review
If there is need for ethical review of the research, information about compensation must be stated in the ethical review application. There is information about compensation among the questions that are answered on the Swedish Ethical Review Authority's website (in Swedish). Read more about ethical review here.
Compensation is taxable
Compensation to research subjects is typically taxable which means that it should be investigated whether social security fees (arbetsgivaravgifter) need to be added. Compensation for travel expenses, the donation of blood, breast milk or organs is not taxable. Information about this can be found on the Swedish Tax Agency's website (in Swedish).
Contact
If you have questions about research ethics, please contact the ethics support function at the Office for Research, Engagement and Innovation Services.