Question

A researcher designing a study has paid for it to be professionally translated into several languages. She discusses the potential risks and benefits with each participant and allows them to bring documentation home for review before committing to the study. This researcher has put special focus on: (A) \(\quad\) justice by explaining potential risks. (B) \(\quad\) beneficence by describing the potential benefits of the study. (C) \(\quad\) respect for persons by acknowledging the subject's perspective and rights. (D) \(\quad\) selection bias, by making the recruitment documents inclusive.

Short answer

C. Respect for persons by acknowledging the subject's perspective and rights.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the researcher’s actions

The researcher has translated documentation into several languages, discussed potential risks and benefits with participants, and allowed them to review the information before committing.

Examine each answer option

Analyze how each provided option aligns with the researcher’s actions: (A) Justice by explaining potential risks focuses on fair distribution and risk awareness. (B) Beneficence by describing the potential benefits involves promoting the welfare of the participants. (C) Respect for persons by acknowledging their perspectives and rights emphasizes informed consent and autonomy of the participants. (D) Selection bias by making recruitment documents inclusive ensures a diverse participant pool.

Match the researcher’s actions to ethical principles

The detailed explanation and provision of documentation for review indicate the researcher respects the participants' autonomy and ensures they make well-informed decisions.

Select the best answer

The researcher’s focus on discussing risks and benefits and providing time for review aligns best with respect for persons, which emphasizes the importance of informed consent and acknowledging participants' rights.

Key concepts

Informed Consent

Informed consent is crucial in research as it guarantees that participants fully understand the study they are joining. This involves providing detailed information about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. Participants should have the freedom to ask questions and consider their involvement without any pressure.

The researcher in the exercise took essential steps to ensure informed consent by:

• Translating documents into multiple languages to overcome language barriers.
• Discussing potential risks and benefits in detail with participants.
• Allowing participants to review the information at home before making a decision.

These actions are crucial in respecting participants' autonomy and ensuring they make well-informed choices about their participation.

Beneficence

Beneficence is an ethical principle that emphasizes the well-being of research participants. Researchers must aim to maximize potential benefits while minimizing possible harms. This requires a careful assessment of the study design and a commitment to the welfare of participants.

In the given exercise, the researcher demonstrated beneficence by discussing the potential benefits of the study with participants. This is important because:

• It helps participants understand how they might gain from the study.
• It allows them to weigh benefits against any potential risks.
• It reassures participants that their well-being is a priority.

These efforts show a genuine concern for the positive impact of the research on participants, aligning with the principle of beneficence.

Selection Bias

Selection bias occurs when certain individuals or groups are systematically excluded or included in a study, leading to unrepresentative results. It is crucial for researchers to ensure diverse and representative recruitment to avoid biased outcomes.

In the exercise, the researcher took steps to make recruitment documents inclusive by translating them into several languages. This helps to:

• Reach a wider, more diverse participant pool.
• Avoid excluding non-native speakers or people with limited English proficiency.
• Ensure that the study results are more generalizable and applicable to a broader population.

By addressing potential selection bias, the researcher enhances the reliability and fairness of the study.

Justice in Research

Justice in research refers to the fair distribution of the burdens and benefits of research. This principle ensures that no particular group is unfairly burdened or exclusively benefitted from research.

The exercise mentions justice in the context of explaining potential risks to participants. This is an aspect of ensuring fairness because:

• All participants are made aware of the risks involved.
• No participant is unfairly exposed to unknown dangers.
• Participants have the information needed to make an equitable decision about their involvement.

By being transparent about risks, the researcher upholds the justice principle, ensuring an ethical and fair approach to participant treatment.