IRB: Ethics & Human Research

Research with Human Subjects: Humility and Deception

In the lead commentary in this issue of IRB: Ethics & Human Research, Rebecca Dresser advocates increased involvement of experienced research subjects in the design, conduct, and oversight of human subjects research, as well as in research policy-making. Because effective involvement of experienced research subjects is more challenging than it might first appear, it is important to think deeply and clearly not only about which experienced subjects can contribute most but also about which investigators are best able to involve them productively. This requires increased attention to two general priorities: promotion of critical reflection about human research and improving trust-building between investigators and research subjects. One way of accomplishing these goals is to expand and enhance the debriefing process after research participation. 

Key words: clinical trials, human research subjects, engaging research participants, deception research