Which of the following is an obligation of researchers under the principle of beneficence?

The principle of beneficence in research ethics is centered on the obligation of researchers to prioritize the well-being of participants and to ensure that their involvement in a study does not result in harm. This principle emphasizes the importance of minimizing potential risks and harms associated with the research. Therefore, the commitment to minimizing the potential for harm to participants is directly aligned with the ethical responsibility under beneficence. Researchers are tasked with designing studies in a way that protects participants’ physical, psychological, and emotional well-being.

In addition to minimizing harm, beneficence entails maximizing potential benefits to participants and society. However, the focus here is specifically on mitigating risks, which is why this obligation directly corresponds to the principle of beneficence. Options that focus on maximizing participant numbers, standardizing research methods, or maximizing financial profits do not align with this ethical principle in the same way, as they do not directly address the critical concern for participant welfare.