The survey explored students’ knowledge, attitudes, and motivation towards participation in Human Subject Research. An online, confidential survey was administered in Fall 2024 to a representative sample of 2,362 undergraduate students at Texas A&M University. The sample demographics reflected the broader student body (home department, class status, gender, race). The survey assessed students' knowledge, attitudes, and motivations regarding HSR. Students were randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving class credit (incentivized) for participation and one receiving no incentive. Of the invited students, 899 completed the survey; only 19% had previous HSR participation experience. Participation rates differed.74% of students in the incentivized classes participated, compared to only 9% in the non-incentivized classes. Class credit emerged as the strongest motivator. These motivational differences were not affected by class status or gender. Regarding informed consent, students prioritized information related to voluntariness, associated risks, withdrawal, expected procedures, and confidentiality over details like the results, publication or on the PI was.. The findings suggest that class credit is a powerful incentive for recruiting students for short studies, significantly impacting enrollment and speed. Students appear to prioritize the same core research parameters (risks, voluntariness, confidentiality) that IRB deem critical. These data are valuable for researchers to improve student recruitment and retention, and for HRPP to streamline educational outreach activities. Further research is required, especially regarding what students internalize from the informed consent and the impact of other types of incentives.
