What is the principle of beneficence in research ethics?

The principle of beneficence in research ethics emphasizes the importance of minimizing harm to participants while also maximizing potential benefits. This principle guides researchers to conduct their studies in a way that protects the well-being of individuals involved, ensuring that the positive outcomes of research outweigh any risks or negative effects that may arise. By focusing on this dual obligation, researchers are encouraged to evaluate the potential benefits and harms associated with their work, leading to ethical research practices that prioritize participant welfare.

In this context, the other options do not fully capture the essence of beneficence. While maximizing benefits is certainly part of the equation, the principle specifically incorporates the need to balance that with minimizing harm. Maintaining confidentiality is a separate aspect of ethical research practices that pertains more to respect for persons and data integrity. Justifying the selection of research participants speaks to fairness and equity in research but does not directly relate to the beneficence principle. Thus, the most complete understanding of beneficence encompasses both minimizing harm and maximizing benefits for research subjects.