research subjects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "research subjects" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in academic writing to refer to people who participate in a research study. For example, "This study involved 100 research subjects who were asked to answer a survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Students participate as research subjects and as assistant researchers.

WikiHow

Caveness died before he could assemble his research subjects, but Grafman and other researchers took over.

The New Yorker

His team asked research subjects pesky questions.

The New York Times

Rats and mice are the most common research subjects.

The New York Times

Entomologists are somewhat accustomed to being research subjects.

The New Yorker

Research subjects, presumably well compensated, then sniffed the pads.

The New Yorker

But the patients are, in fact, research subjects, he said.

The New York Times - Health

Research subjects may not be coerced into participation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Research subjects are likely to be an odd bunch.

The New York Times

No way I could have kept up my hydration and chased down my potential research subjects.

The Guardian

"Their early experience of 'illegality' was very different" from his other research subjects, he told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals involved in research, consider using the term "research participants" instead of "research subjects" to emphasize their active role and agency.

Common error

Avoid language that objectifies or dehumanizes individuals participating in research. Instead of solely focusing on them as "subjects", acknowledge their contributions and autonomy as "participants."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "research subjects" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to refer to individuals or entities participating in a research study. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various academic and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "research subjects" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to identify individuals or entities participating in research across diverse fields. While inherently formal and neutral, it's advisable to consider alternatives such as "research participants" to emphasize active engagement and ethical awareness. Usage spans science, news media and wikipedia. Best practices include avoiding dehumanizing language. Remember to prioritize ethical considerations when conducting research with human or animal subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

study participants

Focuses on the active role of individuals in a study.

research participants

Like 'study participants', it stresses the active role.

participants in research

Rephrases to emphasize the research context.

human subjects

Specifies that the subjects are human beings.

trial subjects

Emphasizes involvement in a trial, often medical or scientific.

experimental subjects

Highlights that individuals are part of an experiment.

test subjects

General term for individuals undergoing testing.

subjects of investigation

Formal term emphasizing scrutiny and analysis.

clinical trial participants

Specifically refers to individuals in a clinical trial.

study volunteers

Highlights the voluntary nature of participation.

FAQs

What is the difference between "research subjects" and "research participants"?

While both terms refer to individuals involved in a study, "research participants" emphasizes their active role and autonomy, while "research subjects" can sometimes sound more passive or objectifying. Using "research participants" is often preferred in modern research ethics.

How do I recruit "research subjects" for my study?

Recruiting "study participants" involves ethical considerations like informed consent, privacy, and ensuring the study benefits outweigh any risks. Consult your institution's IRB for guidelines.

What are some ethical considerations when working with "research subjects"?

Key ethical considerations include obtaining informed consent, protecting their privacy, minimizing risks, and ensuring voluntary participation. It's essential to adhere to ethical guidelines and IRB regulations when working with "human subjects".

What is the appropriate way to refer to animals used in research instead of "research subjects"?

While "research subjects" can technically apply to animals, it's often more appropriate to refer to them as "animal models" or simply "animals used in research" to avoid anthropomorphism and maintain scientific accuracy.