RESEARCH PARTICIPANT COMPENSATION
The WVU IRB DOES review the protocol for participant compensation (method, amount, frequency) as part of its charge to protect the participant from possible coercion and undue influence.
The WVU IRB DOES NOT approve the products (software, services, gift cards, etc.) used to compensate participants. WVU PCPS has approved Prepaid Technologies as the standard compensation/payment system. Other pre-approved products are listed below.
OBTAINING APPROVAL TO USE A PAYMENT PRODUCT
UNIVERSITY STANDARD PARTICIPANT COMPENSATION PRODUCT:
- Prepaid Technologies- The University approved compensation method. No approvals required. Please visit the WVU Procurement, Contracting and Payment Services (PCPS) Prepaid Card System page for guidance.
The products listed below are pre-approved. While approval to use the product/service is not required, WVU Procurement, Contracting and Payment Services must be contacted first to obtain approval to purchase gift cards or execute
contracts.
- MTurk, Prolific, CINT, Cloud Research - The researcher can purchase the service directly from the vendor by using a WVU Pcard.
- Qualtrics - Contact WVU Procurement and Contracting Services (PCPS) and request the Qualtrics enterprise contract number. PCPS must sign the the contract.
- Amazon/Wal-mart Electronic Gift Cards/Gift Cards - The use of ALL gift cards must be pre-approved by purchasing as per WV state law. Please make sure to get pre-approval from WVU PCPS before making a purchase.
UNAPPROVED PRODUCTS:
If the products and services listed above cannot be used, click on the link below to submit an approval form:
You will be contacted within 1-3 business days by the WVU staff responsible for approving products and services for research participant payment. Note the IRB and WVU OHRP do not have the authority to approve new products or services.