Why should researchers avoid coercion when recruiting participants?

Coercion in the context of research refers to situations where participants may feel pressured to take part in a study against their will or in a way that compromises their ability to freely choose. Voluntariness is a fundamental principle of informed consent, which emphasizes that participants should be able to make decisions about their involvement in research without any undue influence or pressure.

When participants are coerced, their consent cannot be considered truly informed or voluntary, as they may be acting out of fear, obligation, or manipulation rather than their genuine desire to participate. This undermines ethical standards in research, which prioritize the rights and welfare of participants. Ensuring that participation is voluntary allows for more authentic engagement and accurate representation of participant willingness, which in turn can lead to more reliable and meaningful data.

Moreover, ethical research practices require that researchers create an environment where participants can make informed decisions based on their understanding of the study and its implications, further emphasizing the importance of avoiding coercive tactics in recruitment.