Description: You will probably be asked at some time to participate in a research project, especially if you are treated in an academic medical center. Your initial reaction might be, "Hey, I don't want to be a guinea pig." You also might think of press coverage of improprieties in research at some distinguished institutions. On the other hand, many other people respond with the sense that participating in research is a civic duty that also will help to ensure that they are receiving "the latest" in high-quality care from the nation's top doctors. In this article we will try to clarify many of the issues surrounding research participation and perhaps relieve some concerns, particularly with regard to behavioral research.