human subjects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "human subjects" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in research contexts to refer to individuals who participate in studies or experiments. Example: "The study was approved by the ethics committee, ensuring the safety and rights of all human subjects involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Research on human subjects is limited.

The New York Times

Identify a research study that used human subjects.

The New York Times

Among them: "Federal policy on the protection of human subjects".

The Guardian

To truly settle the toxicity debate, researchers needed human subjects.

The New Yorker

"In the long run, for research with human subjects to survive, those human subjects have to feel that they've been treated fairly".

The New York Times

Some criticized him for experimenting on human subjects.

The New York Times - Health

Fyfe's dream is to democratize objective research on human subjects.

The New York Times - Magazine

He created human subjects -- commedia dell'arte actors, shepherds and courtiers -- as well as animals.

The New York Times - Arts

Everyone agrees there should be strict limits when research involves human subjects.

The New York Times

No one denies the need to shield human subjects from undue risk.

The New York Times

But Krakauer, who studies the brain mechanisms that control our arm movements, uses human subjects.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about research, ensure you adhere to ethical guidelines and use respectful language when referring to "human subjects". Always prioritize their well-being and autonomy.

Common error

Avoid using the term "human subjects" in contexts where it could be perceived as dehumanizing. Opt for more specific and respectful terms like "participants" or "volunteers" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "human subjects" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically identifies individuals participating in research studies. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used extensively across different sources when describing research methodologies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "human subjects" is a common and grammatically correct term used to refer to individuals participating in research studies. Ludwig AI confirms its extensive use in scientific, news, and formal contexts. While widely accepted, it's important to consider the ethical implications and use more specific and respectful terms like "participants" or "volunteers" when appropriate to avoid any perception of dehumanization. Ethical regulations, such as the Common Rule, govern the treatment and protection of "human subjects" in research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

study participants

Focuses on the act of participation in a study.

research participants

Emphasizes the role of individuals in research endeavors.

human research subjects

Adds an adjective but maintains core meaning.

clinical trial volunteers

Specifically refers to individuals volunteering for clinical trials.

individuals in studies

General term for people involved in research studies.

trial participants

Focuses on the act of participation in a trial, often in a medical context.

patients in research

Highlights the patient status of participants in medical research.

people undergoing experimentation

Highlights the experimental nature of the research.

members of the public in research

Emphasizes the public involvement in research activities.

test subjects

A more generic term for subjects of testing, not necessarily human.

FAQs

How is the term "human subjects" used in research?

In research, "human subjects" refers to individuals who participate in studies or experiments, particularly in fields like medicine, psychology, and social sciences. Ethical guidelines ensure their safety and rights are protected.

What are some alternatives to saying "human subjects"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "study participants", "research participants", or "clinical trial volunteers".

What regulations protect "human subjects" in research?

Regulations such as the Common Rule in the U.S. and the Declaration of Helsinki internationally govern research involving "human subjects", ensuring informed consent, minimizing risks, and protecting privacy.

Is there a difference between "human subjects" and "human participants"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "human participants" may be preferred in some contexts as it emphasizes the active role of individuals in the research process, compared to the more passive connotation of "subjects".