Which principle requires fair and equitable subject selection?

Which principle requires fair and equitable subject selection?

• A. Respect for persons.
• B. Beneficence.
• C. Justice.
• D. Non-maleficence.

Answer: (C)

Distributive justice in research ethics requires fair and equitable subject selection. It means the burdens and benefits of the study should be distributed fairly across populations, avoiding the exploitation of vulnerable groups or selecting participants simply because they are convenient, and ensuring inclusion supports the study’s scientific aims. While the other principles address autonomy (respect for persons), avoidance of harm (non-maleficence), and maximizing overall benefit (beneficence), justice specifically governs who bears risks and who benefits from research. This is why fair subject selection is central to the justice principle.

Distributive justice in research ethics requires fair and equitable subject selection. It means the burdens and benefits of the study should be distributed fairly across populations, avoiding the exploitation of vulnerable groups or selecting participants simply because they are convenient, and ensuring inclusion supports the study’s scientific aims. While the other principles address autonomy (respect for persons), avoidance of harm (non-maleficence), and maximizing overall benefit (beneficence), justice specifically governs who bears risks and who benefits from research. This is why fair subject selection is central to the justice principle.