Certification for IRB Professionals (CIP) Practice Exam

In human subject research, what is a key requirement of beneficence?

1. Improving participant conditions through the study

2. Ensuring that potential benefits outweigh risks

3. Conducting studies only with experienced researchers

4. Using placebo effects for ethical studies

The correct answer is: Ensuring that potential benefits outweigh risks

Beneficence in human subject research emphasizes the ethical obligation to act in the best interests of the participants. This means that researchers must not only minimize potential harm but also promote the well-being of participants. A critical aspect of beneficence is ensuring that the potential benefits of the research—such as advancements in medical knowledge or improvements in health outcomes—outweigh the risks that participants may face. This risk-benefit analysis is a fundamental ethical consideration because it safeguards participants from harm and upholds the integrity of the research process. While improving participant conditions through the study could be a positive outcome, it is not the defining requirement of beneficence. Conducting studies only with experienced researchers relates more to competence and oversight rather than the ethical principle of beneficence itself. Similarly, the use of placebo effects raises ethical concerns and does not inherently relate to the principle of beneficence unless the benefits are carefully weighed against the risks involved. Therefore, the focus on the balance between benefits and risks encapsulates the essence of beneficence in research ethics.