Is inviting only cannabis-using high school students to participate in a survey on cannabis use ethically acceptable?

Is inviting only cannabis-using high school students to participate in a survey on cannabis use ethically acceptable?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Not specified
• D. It depends

Answer: (A)

Recruiting a specific subgroup is acceptable when the research question requires it and the recruitment plan is ethically justified and protected. In this case, if the study aims to understand cannabis use—its patterns, attitudes, or effects—focusing on cannabis-using high school students can be scientifically appropriate because you’re sampling the population most relevant to the topic. The key is to uphold safeguards: obtain appropriate consent and assent for minors, ensure voluntary participation without coercion, protect confidentiality (especially given the sensitive nature of substance use), minimize risks, and have the project reviewed and approved by an ethics board. As long as these protections are in place and the subpopulation is selected because it directly informs the research question, inviting only cannabis-using students can be ethically acceptable.

Recruiting a specific subgroup is acceptable when the research question requires it and the recruitment plan is ethically justified and protected. In this case, if the study aims to understand cannabis use—its patterns, attitudes, or effects—focusing on cannabis-using high school students can be scientifically appropriate because you’re sampling the population most relevant to the topic. The key is to uphold safeguards: obtain appropriate consent and assent for minors, ensure voluntary participation without coercion, protect confidentiality (especially given the sensitive nature of substance use), minimize risks, and have the project reviewed and approved by an ethics board. As long as these protections are in place and the subpopulation is selected because it directly informs the research question, inviting only cannabis-using students can be ethically acceptable.