Full Answer Section

• Compromised Informed Assent: If the child’s decision to participate is primarily driven by the desire for money, their assent may not be truly informed or voluntary. They might not fully process or consider the implications of their participation.

3. Potential for Exploitation:

• Parental Influence: Monetary incentives offered directly to children could inadvertently create situations where parents or guardians might pressure their children to participate for the financial benefit, potentially overriding the child’s wishes and best interests.
• Disproportionate Benefit: The perceived value of money can be significant for children, and even a small amount might be seen as a substantial reward, potentially leading them to agree to participate in studies with greater risks or burdens than they would otherwise accept.

4. Concerns about the Nature of Research:

• Risk-Benefit Assessment: IRBs carefully weigh the risks and benefits of a study for child participants. Monetary incentives should not be so substantial that they cause children (or their guardians) to disregard potential risks or participate in research that does not offer a reasonable balance of benefit.
• Scientific Integrity: If participation is primarily driven by financial gain, it could potentially skew the study sample and affect the integrity of the research findings. Children from families with greater financial need might be more likely to participate, potentially introducing bias.

Instead of direct monetary incentives to children, IRBs often allow for:

• Nominal non-monetary incentives: Small, age-appropriate gifts like stickers, small toys, or activity books that are not likely to unduly influence their decision-making.
• Reimbursement for expenses: Covering costs directly related to participation, such as transportation or parking.
• Compensation to parents/guardians: In some cases, a modest compensation to parents or guardians for their time and inconvenience in bringing their child to participate may be permissible, but this must be carefully justified and should not be presented in a way that coerces the child’s participation.

In the context of studying children’s growth rates, the IRB would likely emphasize the importance of ensuring the children’s willing assent based on understanding the study, rather than being motivated by a monetary reward. The focus should be on making the study engaging and age-appropriate, with clear explanations and opportunities for the child to ask questions and withdraw if they wish. Non-monetary incentives that are more symbolic and less likely to be coercive would be more ethically sound.