One key way faculty researchers can possibly avoid undue influence of student subjects is by avoiding recruiting their own students for research participation. This method helps eliminate the inherent power imbalance and perception of coercion that may occur when students feel pressured to participate in research conducted by their own instructors. By recruiting students who are not their own, faculty researchers reduce the possibility that students will feel obligated to take part in the study to gain favorable treatment or avoid negative consequences. Additional measures that support this approach include having the informed consent process and data collection done by a third party who does not have a status relationship with the students, and ensuring recruitment is done via general announcements rather than targeting individual students. These steps further help minimize undue influence and preserve voluntary participation in research involving students.
