While compensation for research participation is common practice in community settings, the type and amount of compensation provided in carceral settings varies substantially. This is notable given the potential for compensation to unduly influence participation in research activities, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as people who are incarcerated. We aimed to conduct community-engaged research to better understand the potential impacts of different compensation approaches. We conducted interviews (N = 21) concerning ethical research approaches and compensation practices in carceral settings among cisgender men experiencing incarceration at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using framework analysis. Participants were favorable toward compensating individuals enrolled in research in the carceral setting. Participants had a range of views on compensation methods for individuals participating in research with most participants preferring monetary compensation, although some suggested nonmonetary compensation such as food or hygiene products. Regarding appropriate compensation for participating in a one-hour, low-risk research activity, participants volunteered a range of payment amounts. By gathering the perspectives of people who are incarcerated, our data offer guidance for conducting research among populations experiencing incarceration, institutional review boards, and carceral institutions developing policies for research compensation.
“That little bit of comfort helps”: Perspectives on ethical research compensation practices for HIV prevention research in the carceral setting from those experiencing incarceration
Journal of Correctional Health Care [Epub 2026 Feb 5]. doi: 10.1177/10783458251413097. PMCID: PMC12993368.