Which ethical principle ensures respect for participants in research?

The principle that ensures respect for participants in research is centered around the concept of "Respect for Persons." This ethical principle emphasizes the importance of recognizing the autonomy and dignity of individuals participating in research. It requires researchers to obtain informed consent, meaning participants should be fully informed about the nature of the research, any potential risks, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

Moreover, respect for persons also involves treating individuals as capable of making decisions about their participation, fostering an environment of trust and valuing their contributions. This principle is foundational in ethical research practices, ensuring that participants are not merely subjects but are treated with the dignity they deserve.

In contrast, the other principles of beneficence, justice, and transparency focus on different aspects of ethical conduct in research. Beneficence pertains to maximizing benefits and minimizing harm to participants, while justice emphasizes fair distribution of research benefits and burdens. Transparency, while important for ethical practices, relates more to honesty and openness about research methods and findings rather than directly addressing respect for participants.