Which code was established as a response to World War II atrocities in research?

The Nuremberg Code was established as a direct response to the unethical research practices observed during World War II, particularly the inhumane experiments conducted by Nazi doctors on concentration camp inmates. After the war, the Nuremberg Trials brought these atrocities to light, leading to the formulation of the Nuremberg Code in 1947. This set of 10 principles aimed to ensure that researchers prioritize the welfare of their subjects and that informed consent is obtained before any research participation. The guidelines emphasize voluntary participation and the need for research to yield fruitful results for the good of society.

The other codes and guidelines mentioned emerged in different historical contexts and address various aspects of ethical research or professional conduct. The Declaration of Helsinki, for instance, was created by the World Medical Association later to expand on the principles set forth in the Nuremberg Code, while the Belmont Report outlines ethical principles and guidelines for research involving human subjects in the United States. The APA Ethical Guidelines focus specifically on the ethical conduct of psychologists, offering a framework for professional behavior rather than directly addressing historical issues related to human subject research.