Which principle explicitly calls for minimizing risks to subjects in research?

• A. Informed Consent
• B. Privacy
• C. Minimize risks to subjects
• D. Randomization

Answer: (C)

Focusing on minimizing harm is the direct duty described by Beneficence in human subjects research. This principle requires researchers to design and conduct studies in ways that reduce potential risks to participants while still achieving scientifically valid goals. The option that explicitly states “minimize risks to subjects” is the clearest articulation of that obligation, making it the best choice.

Informed Consent addresses autonomy and voluntary participation; Privacy protects confidential data; Randomization is a methodological tool to reduce bias. None of these explicitly commands reducing risk to participants in the straightforward way that this option does.