Which principle holds that individuals participating in research should be respected as autonomous agents?

The principle that emphasizes respecting individuals as autonomous agents is known as Respect for Persons. This principle recognizes the inherent dignity and capacity of individuals to make informed decisions about their own lives. It mandates that researchers must acknowledge the autonomy of their participants, ensuring that they can make voluntary choices regarding whether to partake in research.

This principle is foundational in ethical research practices and involves not only recognizing autonomy but also providing the necessary information and understanding for individuals to make informed decisions about their participation. It promotes honesty and transparency about the research process, allowing potential participants to assess risks and benefits and to provide consent without coercion.

In contrast, other options such as Beneficence and Justice address different aspects of ethical research. Beneficence focuses on maximizing benefits and minimizing harms, while Justice emphasizes the fair distribution of research benefits and burdens among different groups. Informed Consent, although a crucial aspect of respecting autonomy, is a process that arises from the Respect for Persons principle itself rather than a standalone ethical principle. Respect for Persons encompasses the full scope of recognizing and honoring the autonomy of research participants.