Which statement reflects the TCPS 2 core principle of Respect for Persons?

• A. Research should be designed to avoid exposing participants to unnecessary risks.
• B. Do no harm.
• C. Participation in research is a choice, based on information about the risks and potential benefits of the research.
• D. Research studies should be designed so that the burdens and the potential benefits of the research are distributed fairly.

Answer: (C)

Respect for Persons centers on recognizing the autonomy of individuals and ensuring that their participation in research is voluntary and informed. The statement that participation is a choice based on information about the risks and potential benefits best reflects this, because it emphasizes autonomy and informed consent: people decide to join because they understand what the study entails, including possible risks and benefits, and their decision is free from coercion. The other ideas point to different ethical principles—minimizing risk aligns with beneficence/non‑maleficence, “do no harm” is a broad safety obligation, and fair distribution of burdens and benefits relates to justice—rather than the specific emphasis on autonomous, informed decision-making that Respect for Persons requires.