When conducting research, which principle emphasizes minimizing potential risks to participants?

The principle that emphasizes minimizing potential risks to participants is beneficence. This principle largely focuses on the obligation of researchers to maximize benefits and minimize any potential for harm to research participants. In ethical research practice, beneficence calls for an assessment of the risks involved in a study compared to the anticipated benefits. Researchers are tasked with designing studies in a way that prioritizes the safety and well-being of individuals involved, ensuring that any risks are justified by the potential knowledge or benefits gained.

In contrast, justice pertains to the fair distribution of the benefits and burdens of research among all groups involved, ensuring that no particular group is unduly burdened or exploited. Respect for persons involves recognizing the autonomy of participants and obtaining informed consent, ensuring that individuals are treated as capable decision-makers. Integrity involves maintaining honesty and transparency in research practices. Each of these principles plays a vital role in the ethical conduct of research, but it is beneficence that specifically addresses the need to minimize risks to participants.