Which principle requires that the effectiveness and outcomes of research should benefit the participants involved?

The principle of beneficence is fundamentally concerned with the obligation to promote the well-being of participants and ensure that the benefits of research outweigh any potential risks. It emphasizes the importance of maximizing positive outcomes and minimizing harm. When researchers adhere to this principle, they actively work to ensure that the research not only directly serves the needs of the participants but also enhances their health, welfare, and overall quality of life.

This principle obligates researchers to consider the impact of their studies on participants and to design research that leads to beneficial outcomes. By prioritizing the welfare of participants, researchers uphold ethical standards and contribute to the advancement of knowledge that is meaningful and useful to those involved. The focus on beneficial effects underlines the moral responsibility researchers have to both protect and empower participants through their work.