Humphreys' data collection for the Tearoom Trade study exemplifies a violation of which principle?

The situation described with Humphreys' Tearoom Trade study highlights a violation of the principle of Respect for Persons. This principle emphasizes the need to honor the autonomy of individuals involved in research and to treat them ethically. In the context of the study, Humphreys engaged in covert observations of individuals in sexual encounters without their consent or knowledge, thereby undermining their right to make informed decisions about their participation in the research.

By failing to inform these individuals that they were being studied and not providing them with the opportunity to consent, the research disregarded their personal autonomy and dignity. It raises significant ethical concerns regarding the treatment of subjects and the obligation of researchers to respect the rights of individuals involved in their studies.

Other principles, such as beneficence, justice, and integrity, while important in their own right, are not directly applicable in this case. Beneficence relates to minimizing harm and maximizing benefits, justice pertains to fair treatment and equitable distribution of research burdens and benefits, and integrity is about maintaining honesty and transparency in research practices. The core issue in Humphreys' research is fundamentally about the lack of respect for the individuals being observed, making Respect for Persons the most relevant principle that was violated.