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Incentives for survey participation when are they "coercive"?
Eleanor Singer1, Robert M Bossarte
1Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. elsinger@umich.edu
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|October 19, 2006
Summary
Monetary incentives for surveys do not coerce participants. While they can influence survey response rates and quality, careful consideration ensures ethical application, especially in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Survey Methodology
- Research Ethics
Background:
- Monetary incentives are common tools to boost survey participation.
- Their effects on response rates, sample composition, and data quality are well-documented.
- Ethical concerns arise regarding potential coercion, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review theories and research on monetary incentives in surveys.
- To examine the ethical implications of incentives, focusing on coercion and undue influence.
- To provide recommendations for the ethical use of incentives in sensitive surveys.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of theories on incentives.
- Synthesis of empirical research on incentive effects.
- Analysis of ethical principles, regulations, and case law regarding informed consent and coercion.
Main Results:
- Incentives can affect response rates, sample characteristics, and data quality.
- Evidence suggests incentives are not inherently coercive.
- The concept of 'undue influence' requires nuanced, context-specific evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Monetary incentives are ethically permissible and not coercive.
- Recommendations are provided to ensure ethical incentive use in injury and violence surveys.
- Focus should be on responsible implementation rather than outright prohibition.
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