What is it called when a researcher ensures the well-being of study participants?

The term that refers to the measures taken to ensure the well-being of study participants is protection from harm. This principle is a crucial aspect of ethical research practices. It emphasizes the responsibility of researchers to minimize any potential risks or discomfort that participants might face during a study.

Protection from harm includes not only physical safety but also psychological well-being and confidentiality. Researchers must take proactive steps to assess risks involved in their studies and implement strategies to safeguard participants against those risks. This concept is fundamental to fostering a trustworthy relationship between researchers and participants, as it reflects respect for participants' rights and dignity.

In contrast, participant debriefing is when researchers provide information about the study's purpose and methods after participation is completed, which is important for transparency but does not directly pertain to the ongoing well-being of participants during the study. Ethical guidelines refer to the broader framework that governs the conduct of research, while informed consent is the process through which participants agree to partake in a study, having been fully informed about its nature and potential risks. While all these concepts contribute to the ethical conduct of research, protection from harm is specifically focused on the ongoing welfare of participants throughout the research process.