Which statement reflects a core value of ethical research?

Obtaining accurate and truthful results is crucial to ethical research because it upholds the integrity of the research process and ensures that the findings can be trusted and utilized effectively. This principle is foundational to advancing knowledge and informing policy, practice, and further research. Ethical research relies on the commitment to honesty, transparency, and the pursuit of knowledge, which fosters trust among participants, the scientific community, and the public.

In addition to the importance of obtaining accurate results, this principle emphasizes the responsibility researchers have to accurately report their findings, methods, and any limitations associated with their work. By prioritizing the truth in research, researchers not only contribute to the body of knowledge but also protect participants and society from the potential harms that can arise from misleading information.

In contrast, other choices do not align with core ethical values. For example, confidentiality of research findings, while important, might not always apply if there's significant societal benefit in sharing results. Conducting research solely for personal gain undermines the ethical obligation researchers have to their participants and the broader community. Lastly, allowing for biased participant selection compromises the validity of research and can lead to harmful generalizations, which contradicts the integrity of ethical research practices.