Research Involving Homeless Subjects
Articles of Interest
"Is it legitimate to carry out surveys on the homeless? An ethical and scientific question"
[download PDF]
Firdion, J. M., Marpsat, M., & Bozon, M.
"Research involving the homeless: Arguements against Payment-in-Kind (PinK)"
[read article]
Schonfeld, T. L., Brown, J. S., Weniger, M., & Gordon, B. (2003). IRB: Ethics and Human Research, 25(5), 17-20.
Points to Consider
Coercion
Homeless subjects are vulnerable to coercion, especially if the research team offers compensation for participation. It is recommended that compensation not be offered to reduce the likelihood of coercion.
Literacy
Some homeless subjects' literacy levels may be low, which will affect their ability to read the consent form. Consider reading the consent form to each subject while continuously ascertaining comprehension directly by asking open-ended questions and indirectly by observing body language.
Mental Illness:
Researchers should ask themselves the following questions, then address the items in the Research Protocol:
- Do I foresee mental illness as a factor in the study population? Will subjects' mental states need to be considered during the consent process?
- How will I assess each subject's mental state? Am I qualified to do so? Do I need to hire someone who is qualified?
- If a subject is found to have mental incapacities that affect the consent process or participation, will he/she be ineligible?
Research Involving Cognitively Impaired Persons