Which of the following reflects the principle of beneficence in a study involving human subjects?

The principle of beneficence in research involving human subjects focuses on maximizing potential benefits while minimizing harm to participants. This principle emphasizes the ethical obligation to prioritize the welfare of individuals involved in a study.

Choosing to ensure that risks are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits aligns directly with this principle, as it reflects the idea that researchers must carefully weigh the potential risks against the benefits that the study aims to achieve. By doing so, researchers can foster an ethical environment where the health and well-being of participants are at the forefront of their considerations. Balancing risks and benefits is crucial to validating the ethical soundness of a study and ensuring that participants are not subjected to undue harm for the sake of research.

In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the essence of beneficence. Simply conducting the study quickly, ensuring equal payment among participants, or gathering data without regard for participant well-being do not align with the ethical imperative of doing good and preventing harm. These choices might prioritize efficiency, equality of payment, or data collection over the well-being and safety of participants, which is not consistent with the ethical principle of beneficence.