What principle ensures that individuals are treated fairly in research activities?

The principle that ensures individuals are treated fairly in research activities is justice. This principle emphasizes fairness in the distribution of research benefits and burdens among participants. It seeks to prevent exploitation and to ensure that specific groups or populations are not disproportionately burdened by research while others are benefiting from it.

Under the principle of justice, researchers are called to strive for equitable selection of participants, meaning that no particular group should face undue risk or be excluded from access to potential benefits of the research. This principle is a critical aspect of ethical research practice and helps in promoting social justice.

In contrast, the other principles such as respect for persons, beneficence, and informed consent focus on different aspects of ethical research. Respect for persons addresses the autonomy and dignity of participants, beneficence relates to minimizing harm and maximizing benefits, and informed consent ensures that participants are fully aware of their involvement in research. While all these principles are essential and work together to protect participants' rights and welfare, justice specifically addresses the fairness and equity in the treatment of individuals involved in research activities.