What ethical principle is primarily concerned with fairness in research?

The ethical principle that is primarily concerned with fairness in research is justice. This principle emphasizes that benefits and burdens of research should be distributed equitably among all groups in society. Justice ensures that no specific group is unfairly burdened by the risks of research while others benefit from its outcomes. It calls for equitable access to participation in research and equitable distribution of its benefits, thereby safeguarding vulnerable populations from exploitation.

Beneficence, while an important ethical principle, focuses on minimizing harm and maximizing benefits in research, rather than directly addressing fairness. Confidentiality deals with safeguarding participants’ private information, and integrity refers to the adherence to moral and ethical principles throughout the research process. Therefore, justice is specifically aligned with the concept of fairness in the context of research practices and participant treatment.