Generally, University research should not include distribution of incentives by chance. Researchers should provide equal incentives to all participants even if to do so diminishes the value of the incentive.  However, the IRB will consider requests to distribute incentives by chance on a case-by-case basis. The IRB must determine that:

1. The level of risk must be no more than minimal.
2. The research must be of brief duration.
3. The incentives will not create undue coercion.
4. There is adequate justification that the compensation is necessary to gather sufficient data to address the research question.
5. There is adequate justification that subjects cannot be compensated on an individual basis.
6. The unequal distribution of compensation is fair to those who will not receive compensation.

Researchers must address items 3 through 6 in any protocol requesting the use of drawings as compensation. In addition, the odds of winning must be included in the protocol and in the informed consent document.

 

Incentives by chance may be approved in studies in which the incentive is part of the study methodology and not solely for compensation.

 

University research may not include the distribution of prizes to subjects via chances obtained by them in exchange for money.