Setting the right incentive payment based on project type and time commitment
When determining the appropriate incentive payment for your research project, there are two key factors to consider:
Project Type: In-Person vs. Remote
Length of Participation
1. Project Type: In-Person vs. Remote
In-Person Projects:
In-person research typically requires participants to travel or welcome researchers into their personal spaces (e.g., in-home or in-office interviews). These additional demands should be factored into your incentive payment.
Participants may spend time preparing their space, such as tidying up their home or office, which can influence their decision to participate based on the posted incentive.
Many individuals work from home, and their environment may be busy or noisy (e.g., children learning remotely). It's important to remember that patience and understanding are key during these sessions, fostering a sense of empathy and consideration for your participants.
Recommended Base Incentive: $200 for in-home interviews with general population participants, lasting 1 hour or less.
Remote Projects:
Remote projects generally require less time commitment outside of the research itself, as participants can join from their preferred environment.
Incentives for remote research can often be lower than those for in-person projects since travel and preparation time are not factors.
2. Length of Participation
The incentive should reflect the total time commitment required, including any pre-post-session tasks:
A one-hour interview with 30 minutes of pre-interview preparation should offer compensation for 90 minutes of work.
An in-person one-hour interview requiring 30 minutes of travel each way should account for 2 hours of work.
Considerations for High-Level Professionals:
Executives, business owners, and medical professionals often have demanding schedules and limited availability.
For these participants, aim to limit sessions to 60 minutes or less and prioritize virtual sessions when possible.
Key Takeaways:
Account for all time involved: preparation, travel, and actual participation.
Adjust incentives for specialized professionals: respect their time constraints and adjust compensation accordingly.
Be flexible and patient, particularly during in-home sessions with participants balancing work and family commitments.
Setting the right incentive is not just a task but a responsibility that ensures participant engagement and enhances the success of your research project. It's a commitment to the integrity and quality of your research.