Which principle is about fairness in distribution of research burdens and benefits?

Which principle is about fairness in distribution of research burdens and benefits?

• A. Justice (Belmont)
• B. Beneficence (Belmont)
• C. Respect for persons (Belmont)
• D. Deception

Answer: (A)

Fairness in how the burdens and benefits of research are distributed is the principle of justice. It asks us to ensure that who bears the risks and who gains the benefits are treated equitably, so no group is unfairly targeted for risk or left out of potential benefits. In the Belmont Report, justice is about fair subject selection and the equitable distribution of the harms and advantages of research, guarding against exploitation of vulnerable populations and ensuring that benefits are accessible to those who contribute to the research. Beneficence, by contrast, focuses on maximizing benefits and minimizing harms to participants. Respect for persons emphasizes autonomy and protecting individuals with diminished autonomy. Deception is more about how information is conveyed and is not a guiding principle in itself; it’s something researchers strive to minimize or justify, not a fairness principle.

Fairness in how the burdens and benefits of research are distributed is the principle of justice. It asks us to ensure that who bears the risks and who gains the benefits are treated equitably, so no group is unfairly targeted for risk or left out of potential benefits. In the Belmont Report, justice is about fair subject selection and the equitable distribution of the harms and advantages of research, guarding against exploitation of vulnerable populations and ensuring that benefits are accessible to those who contribute to the research.

Beneficence, by contrast, focuses on maximizing benefits and minimizing harms to participants. Respect for persons emphasizes autonomy and protecting individuals with diminished autonomy. Deception is more about how information is conveyed and is not a guiding principle in itself; it’s something researchers strive to minimize or justify, not a fairness principle.