What is one method faculty researchers can use to avoid undue influence when selecting student subjects?

Selecting student subjects for research can lead to potential ethical issues, particularly regarding undue influence. One effective method to mitigate this risk is for faculty researchers to avoid recruiting their own students. This approach helps to eliminate any power dynamics that may exist, as students may feel pressured to participate out of concern for their grades or future evaluations, affecting the voluntariness of their participation.

When researchers recruit their own students, there is an inherent imbalance due to the supervisory or evaluative role they occupy. Students might fear negative consequences if they refuse to participate, which can compromise the integrity of the informed consent process. By opting not to recruit their own students, faculty can ensure that participation is truly voluntary and that students are not influenced by their desire to please the instructor or fear of repercussions.

The other methods listed might carry their own ethical implications or do not effectively address the issue of undue influence. For instance, recruiting students from neighboring institutions doesn't necessarily eliminate potential biases, and offering incentives can sometimes create a different kind of pressure to participate. Conducting research without faculty supervision raises significant ethical concerns regarding oversight and accountability in research, which are critical for protecting the rights and well-being of participants.