Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

Which ethical principle emphasizes that research participants should benefit from the outcomes?

1. Autonomy

2. Beneficence

3. Justice

4. Integrity

The correct answer is: Justice

The ethical principle that emphasizes that research participants should benefit from the outcomes is justice. This principle requires that the benefits and burdens of research be distributed fairly among all participants. Justice entails ensuring that individuals or groups who bear the risks of participation in research also receive equitable benefits from the research outcomes. This is particularly important in vulnerable populations, where there is a risk of exploitation if they are disproportionately subjected to research without the promise of benefits. In a research context, this principle promotes fair treatment and access to the benefits derived from the research, highlighting that participants should not be used merely as means to an end but should also reap rewards from their contributions to scientific knowledge. Justice can guide the recruitment strategies, ensuring diversity and fair representation in research studies. Other principles such as autonomy focus on respect for individuals' rights to make informed choices, beneficence deals with the obligation to maximize benefits and minimize harm, and integrity highlights the importance of honesty and moral principles in research conduct. While all these principles are critical, justice specifically addresses the equitable distribution of benefits which is why it is the correct answer in the context of the question.