What principle does Humphreys' behavior in the Tearoom Trade study violate?

Humphreys' behavior in the Tearoom Trade study primarily violates the principle of respect for persons. This principle in research ethics emphasizes the need to treat individuals as autonomous agents capable of making informed decisions about their participation in research. It requires that researchers obtain informed consent from participants, allowing them to understand what the research entails and to agree to participate voluntarily.

In the Tearoom Trade study, Humphreys observed and recorded the behaviors of individuals engaging in same-sex encounters in public restrooms without their consent. By failing to inform these individuals that they were part of a study and that their behaviors were being observed and documented, he disregarded their autonomy and ability to make informed choices about their participation. This lack of respect for the rights and dignity of the participants is a clear violation of the principle of respect for persons.

While aspects of justice, beneficence, and privacy may also be discussed in relation to the study, the most direct violation in this context is tied to the failure to respect individuals' autonomy and their right to consent to participation in the research.