What does justice mean?

• A. Non-maleficence and beneficence.
• B. Protecting privacy above all.
• C. Fair and equitable subject selection.
• D. Maximizing data collection.

Answer: (C)

Justice in research ethics is about fair and equitable distribution of the burdens and benefits of research, including who is asked to participate and who stands to benefit from the findings. This is best captured by the idea of fair and equitable subject selection: ensuring recruitment is not biased by convenience, vulnerability, or discrimination, and that groups are not unfairly burdened or excluded from potential benefits.

Other concepts have important roles, but they address different aspects. Non-maleficence and beneficence guide avoiding harm and maximizing benefits to participants, rather than how participants are chosen. Protecting privacy concerns confidentiality and respect for persons, not the fairness of who is recruited. Maximizing data collection relates to the scientific value of the study, not the equitable distribution of risks and benefits.