Editorial: Above all, 'do no harm': Key considerations when including students as research participants in higher education settings

Abstract

Conducting quality research is essential in order to advance knowledge and, in higher education settings (colleges, universities, etc.), students are considered to be an easily accessible population to research. Accordingly, studies are often developed with this population in mind. There are, however, challenges when using students as research participants. In essence, these concern maintaining the integrity of the research process, including adherence to ethical principles, whilst simultaneously upholding the integrity of the academic program as accredited and approved by the relevant boards and regulatory authorities. Students fall into the category of people in a dependent relationship and so, for research conducted under the auspices of an Australian institutional human ethics committee, the potential for the existing relationship between teacher and student to influence participation in the research is recognized (see http://www.nhmrc. gov.au/book/chapter-4-3-people-dependent-or-unequal- relationships). This editorial provides an overview of some of the key issues warranting attention to safeguard the welfare and rights of students when recruited as research participants in higher education settings.