Research where participants are observed without their knowledge can conflict with which ethical principle?

The ethical principle that is most directly challenged when participants are observed without their knowledge is respect for persons. This principle emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the autonomy of individuals and ensuring their right to make informed decisions about participation in research. Observing individuals without their consent undermines their dignity and ability to make informed choices, which is a fundamental aspect of respecting their autonomy.

Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical research practices, ensuring that participants understand the nature of the research, the risks, and their rights. When researchers observe individuals without their knowledge, they bypass this essential process, effectively treating them as mere subjects rather than respected individuals with rights and agency.

While the other options, such as beneficence, justice, and integrity, are also vital ethical considerations, they are not as directly impacted by the lack of awareness in observation. Beneficence relates to maximizing benefits and minimizing harm, justice pertains to fairness in the distribution of benefits and burdens, and integrity emphasizes honesty and adherence to ethical standards. However, none of these principles specifically address the violation of individual autonomy as clearly as the principle of respect for persons does.