Guidelines: Reimbursements / incentives

Rewards and expenses

In general, the Committee will approve reimbursement for expenses and incidental costs i.e. travel expenses, telephone calls, meals. The Committee also recognises that in some studies, and in some circumstances and cultures, it may be appropriate to offer tokens of appreciation (i.e. movie ticket/s, small gifts) to potential participants.

While advertisements may indicate that participants will receive a degree of reimbursement, advertisements may not specify the amount of reward/expense/incentive on offer as this may act as coercion to participate.

The Committee does not normally approve the offer of lottery tickets and the like when the potential prize is very substantial.

Course credits

Student course credits are acceptable for those courses such as Psychology where the Department/Faculty has determined that research experience as a participant is encouraged. Such course credits must always be able to be obtained in some other way if students do not wish to volunteer for any of the proposed research options.