A research study participant is a living individual about whom a Principal Investigator (PI) conducting research obtains:
- Data through intervention or interaction with the individual or
- Identifiable private information.
Some research studies may provide for compensation payments to study participants as evidenced in the contract between the research sponsor and the research institution. Compensation may be in the form of a check payable to the participant, cash, or gift cards. The research study documents identify which method of payment is allowed for the study.