RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Payment for research participation: a coercive offer? JF Journal of Medical Ethics JO J Med Ethics FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics SP 389 OP 392 DO 10.1136/jme.2007.021857 VO 34 IS 5 A1 Wertheimer, A A1 Miller, F G YR 2008 UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/34/5/389.abstract AB Payment for research participation has raised ethical concerns, especially with respect to its potential for coercion. We argue that characterising payment for research participation as coercive is misguided, because offers of benefit cannot constitute coercion. In this article we analyse the concept of coercion, refute mistaken conceptions of coercion and explain why the offer of payment for research participation is never coercive but in some cases may produce undue inducement.