Which among the following would be the ethical issues in a research study that involves participation of human subjects?

(A) Lack of informed consent

(B) Physical and psychological harm

(C) Excessive inducements

(D) Debriefing

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is A, B & C only.

In research studies involving human participants, maintaining high ethical standards is crucial to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of the subjects. Let us analyze each of the given points to understand why they represent ethical issues or safeguards:

(A) Lack of informed consent: Informed consent is a fundamental ethical requirement. It ensures that participants are fully aware of the research purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits, and that they voluntarily choose to participate. Initiating a study without obtaining proper informed consent is a major ethical violation.

(B) Physical and psychological harm: Researchers have a duty of non-maleficence, meaning they must protect participants from any unnecessary physical pain, injury, stress, anxiety, or emotional trauma. Subjecting participants to such harm represents a significant ethical issue.

(C) Excessive inducements: Offering disproportionately large financial rewards, gifts, or other incentives can act as a form of coercion or undue influence. It may encourage individuals (especially vulnerable populations) to ignore risks they would otherwise find unacceptable, thereby compromising the voluntary nature of their consent. Thus, excessive inducements are considered an ethical concern.

(D) Debriefing: Debriefing is a standard ethical safeguard, not an ethical issue. It is the process of explaining the true nature, goals, and results of the research to the participants after the study is completed—especially if any form of temporary deception was necessary during the experiment. It helps mitigate any potential distress and ensures participants leave the study with a clear understanding of their contribution.

Therefore, while (A), (B), and (C) represent potential ethical problems or violations in a study, (D) is a positive ethical practice used to protect participants. This makes A, B & C only the correct choice.