You are well into your first semester at a state university. Your psychology professor is conducting research and desperately needs more participants because the existing subjects keep running from the building screaming! She tells the class that everyone must be a subject to get a grade in the class and that there are no exceptions. In terms of ethical treatment of research subjects, her policy would

Question

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The professor's policy of requiring all students to be subjects in the research violates the informed consent concept of volunteerism, which requires that participants have a genuine choice in whether or not to participate in the study. It is unethical to force students to participate in research against their will, even if it is required for a class grade. The professor should give students the option to participate and provide alternative assignments or opportunities for extra credit for those who choose not to participate.

You Are Well into Your First Semester at a State