Which statement aligns with the fundamental value upon which TCPS 2 is based?

• A. Autonomy
• B. All persons are created equal
• C. Respect for human dignity
• D. Do no harm

Answer: (C)

The central idea here is recognizing the inherent worth of every person and treating them with respect. In TCPS 2, this respect for human dignity means upholding the rights and autonomy of participants, protecting those who may have diminished decision-making capacity, and ensuring their welfare is safeguarded throughout the research process. When researchers view participants as having intrinsic dignity, informed consent becomes meaningful, privacy and confidentiality are protected, and risks are minimized in a way that honors the person as a whole.

This makes respecting human dignity the best answer because it captures the overarching stance that guides all ethical requirements in TCPS 2. Autonomy is an essential aspect of respecting persons, but it’s a component that flows from the broader commitment to dignity. The other options—emphasizing equality or simply avoiding harm—are important considerations within research ethics, but they do not single out the foundational principle that TCPS 2 centers on: the value and protection of each person’s dignity.