Which of the following is one of the core principles identified in the Belmont Report?

• A. Respect for Persons
• B. Anonymity
• C. Confidentiality
• D. Financial incentive

Answer: (A)

The Belmont Report identifies three guiding principles for research with human subjects: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Among the options, the one that matches these principles is Respect for Persons. This principle means recognizing individuals as autonomous agents capable of making their own decisions and providing extra protection for those with diminished autonomy. In practice, this is reflected in informed consent, voluntary participation, and clear information about risks and benefits, ensuring people can decide whether to participate without coercion and with comprehension.

Anonymity and confidentiality are important privacy protections in research but are not labeled core principles in the Belmont Report itself. Financial incentive can raise concerns about undue influence or coercion, but it is not a core principle named in the Belmont Report.