Humphreys' Tearoom Trade study involved data collection under a deceptive pretense. This is a violation of which Belmont principle?

Humphreys' Tearoom Trade study involved data collection under a deceptive pretense. This is a violation of which Belmont principle?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Respect for persons
• C. Privacy
• D. Justice

Answer: (B)

Deception in research directly clashes with respecting people as autonomous agents. In Belmont Report terms, respect for persons means treating individuals as autonomous and protecting those with diminished autonomy, which includes obtaining informed consent and being honest about the nature of the research. The Tearoom Trade study misrepresented its purpose and identity to participants, observing private behavior without informed agreement to participate, which undermines their autonomy and right to decide what happens to information about them. While beneficence and justice address minimizing harm and fair treatment, the central issue here is the violation of autonomy and informed consent, i.e., respect for persons.

Deception in research directly clashes with respecting people as autonomous agents. In Belmont Report terms, respect for persons means treating individuals as autonomous and protecting those with diminished autonomy, which includes obtaining informed consent and being honest about the nature of the research. The Tearoom Trade study misrepresented its purpose and identity to participants, observing private behavior without informed agreement to participate, which undermines their autonomy and right to decide what happens to information about them. While beneficence and justice address minimizing harm and fair treatment, the central issue here is the violation of autonomy and informed consent, i.e., respect for persons.