Exercise Science Students as Research Participants in Faculty-Led Research: An Ethical Dilemma
Nicole K Rendos1,2,3, Christopher M Wilburn4
1Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, 40 S Alcaniz Street, Pensacola, FL 32502, USA.
Journal of Academic Ethics
|September 18, 2025
Summary
Exercise science students are vulnerable to faculty coercion in research participation due to power imbalances. Recommendations are provided to ensure voluntary informed consent and protect students in academic research.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Research Ethics
- Higher Education
Background:
- The field of exercise science has seen significant growth in academic programs, research output, and funding over the last 40 years.
- Exercise science students are often considered ideal research participants due to their age, health, and interest in the subject matter.
- This demographic's characteristics, however, render them susceptible to coercion and undue influence from faculty researchers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and discuss ethical concerns regarding the recruitment of exercise science students as participants in faculty-led research.
- To examine issues of power differentials, the recruitment of female participants, and the role of academic credit in student participation.
- To propose recommendations for safeguarding students against coercion and ensuring voluntary informed consent.
Main Methods:
- Ethical analysis of common research recruitment practices within exercise science programs.
- Review of literature concerning power dynamics in academic research settings.
- Discussion of specific ethical challenges, including potential for undue influence and compromised informed consent.
Main Results:
- Faculty-researchers hold significant power over exercise science students, creating a risk of coercion.
- Recruitment practices, particularly concerning female students and the offering of academic credit, can introduce ethical vulnerabilities.
- The inherent interest of students can be leveraged, potentially undermining their autonomy in research participation.
Conclusions:
- Exercise science students require specific protections to prevent coercion and undue influence in faculty-led research.
- Implementing clear ethical guidelines and oversight is crucial for maintaining the integrity of informed consent.
- Recommendations focus on mitigating power differentials and ensuring truly voluntary participation in research studies.
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