Which ethical principle does informed consent primarily uphold?

Informed consent primarily upholds the ethical principle of respect for persons. This principle emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the autonomy of individuals and their right to make informed decisions about their participation in research. Informed consent ensures that potential participants are provided with all relevant information about the study, including its purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits, allowing them to make an educated choice regarding their involvement.

By obtaining informed consent, researchers demonstrate respect for participants as individuals capable of understanding and evaluating the information presented to them. This process not only empowers participants but also fosters trust between them and the researchers. It is foundational to ethical research practices and is critical in protecting the rights and welfare of participants throughout the research process.

The other choices, while important aspects of research ethics, do not directly pertain to the concept of informed consent. For instance, maintaining confidentiality is crucial for protecting participant data, minimizing risk focuses on reducing potential harms associated with participation, and ensuring scientific validity pertains to the rigor and reliability of the study itself. However, none of these directly encapsulate the core purpose of informed consent as the mechanism to respect individual autonomy and decision-making.