A research participant is different from individuals who are not able to give informed consent, such as children, infants, and animals.
[2] Research participants should expect the following: There are several standard themes in the choice of words (participant, subject, patient, control, respondent): Social scientists have emphasized that word choice influences the way that researchers think of study participants and the respect that they have for them.
[7] Payment for research participants is a controversial topic where experts have varying views.
[8] In 1998 The BMJ adopted the policy of calling people "participants" rather than "subjects".
[9] Prior to this various other research organizations had considered making this switch.