In research ethics, which principle emphasizes fairness in the selection of participants and distribution of risks and benefits?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Beneficence
• C. Justice
• D. Nonmaleficence

Answer: (C)

Fairness in who participates and how risks and benefits are shared is the principle of justice. It requires that the selection of subjects is equitable, avoiding exploiting or overburdening vulnerable groups and ensuring that the burdens and benefits of research are distributed fairly across all groups involved. Justice also means that when a study offers benefits, those benefits should be accessible to the participants and communities that bear the risks, rather than being reserved for others.

To connect with the other principles: autonomy is about respecting individuals’ capacity to make informed, voluntary decisions; beneficence focuses on maximizing overall well-being and minimizing harm; nonmaleficence is about not causing harm. Justice specifically targets fairness in assignment and distribution, which is why it best fits the described emphasis on fair selection and equitable distribution of risks and benefits.