Which of the following is NOT one of the main ethical principles in psychological research?

The main ethical principles in psychological research are designed to protect participants and ensure the integrity of the research process. Informed consent, confidentiality, and the right to withdraw are all fundamental components that safeguard participants.

Informed consent requires that participants are fully aware of the nature of the study, any potential risks, and their right to refuse or discontinue participation at any time. Confidentiality ensures that personal information gathered during the research is kept private and secure, respecting the dignity and identity of participants. The right to withdraw allows participants to leave the study if they choose, reinforcing their autonomy and control over their participation.

While competence is important for researchers to conduct studies responsibly and ethically, it is not classified as one of the main ethical principles directly pertaining to the treatment of participants in psychological research. Competence pertains more to the qualifications and capabilities of the researcher rather than an ethical guideline specifically aimed at participant rights and protections. Thus, it is the correct answer as it does not fit within the core ethical principles of psychological research involving human participants.