Which ethical principle protects participants from potentially harmful effects in psychological research?

The principle that protects participants from potentially harmful effects in psychological research is the concept of protection from harm. This principle is crucial in ensuring that participants are not subjected to physical or psychological harm as a result of their involvement in research studies. Researchers are ethically obligated to minimize any risks associated with the study and to implement measures that ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants throughout the research process.

By adhering to this ethical guideline, psychologists must carefully consider the potential impact of their research on participants and take steps to mitigate any risks. This might include providing thorough debriefing after participation or offering support resources if any distress arises due to the research. This principle underscores the importance of participant welfare and reinforces the commitment of researchers to uphold ethical standards within their work.

The other principles mentioned, while also important in the context of ethical research, do not specifically address the issue of harm. For instance, informed consent focuses on ensuring that participants understand the nature of the research and voluntarily agree to participate. The right to compensation relates to participants receiving some form of remuneration for their involvement, which does not directly protect them from harm. Confidentiality ensures that personal information is kept private but also does not address the potential physical or psychological risks associated with participation.