What is a primary goal of ethical research involving human subjects?

The primary goal of ethical research involving human subjects is to ensure the safety and welfare of participants. This commitment is foundational to the ethical principles that guide human research, primarily the respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Protecting participants means making sure that their rights, well-being, and dignity are prioritized throughout the research process. Researchers are responsible for minimizing risks and maximizing potential benefits, ensuring informed consent is obtained, and providing adequate information about the research purpose and procedures.

In essence, this focus on safety and welfare helps to build trust between researchers and participants, which is critical for conducting ethical and meaningful research. Financial gain, timelines, or standardization of participant selection processes may be operational goals within research but do not hold the same ethical weight or priority as protecting those who are contributing to the research.