Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Certified Professional Practice Exam

In pediatric research, minimizing distress among participants is considered a principle of what?

1. Operational efficiency

2. Participant welfare

3. Regulatory compliance

4. Data integrity

The correct answer is: Participant welfare

Minimizing distress among participants in pediatric research aligns directly with the principle of participant welfare. This principle emphasizes the ethical responsibility researchers have to protect the well-being and rights of research participants, particularly vulnerable populations such as children. Research involving minors requires heightened sensitivity to potential stressors or harm, as children may not fully understand the research context or its implications. When conducting pediatric research, the priority is to ensure that the procedures do not expose young participants to unnecessary pain, discomfort, or emotional distress. This focus on welfare underlies the ethical frameworks, such as the Belmont Report, which outlines respect for persons, beneficence, and justice as fundamental principles governing research ethics. Prioritizing participant welfare not only fosters a more ethical research environment but also enhances the quality and validity of the research findings, as participants are more likely to engage frankly and fully when they feel safe and cared for. In contrast, operational efficiency focuses on maximizing productivity and resource use; regulatory compliance pertains to adhering to laws and regulations governing research; and data integrity is concerned with maintaining accuracy and reliability in research data. While all these aspects are important within the research process, they do not specifically address the ethical imperative to minimize distress among participants.