Step 4: Identify and Select the Participants or Subjects for the Study
To evaluate a hypothesis scientifi cally, we fi rst use the hypothesis to produce a
specifi c prediction that can be observed and evaluated in a research study.
One part of designing the research study is to decide exactly what individuals
will participate. If the individuals are human, they are called participants.
Nonhumans are called subjects. It is the responsibility of the researcher to
plan for the safety and well-being of the research participants and to inform
them of all relevant aspects of the research, especially any risk or danger that
may be involved. The issue