Correct Answer: C — Autonomy

Core ethical principles in nursing research (Belmont Report):

Principle	Definition	Application
Autonomy (Respect for Persons)	Participants have the right to make informed, voluntary decisions	Informed consent, confidentiality, right to withdraw
Beneficence	Maximizing benefits of research	Risk-benefit analysis
Non-maleficence	Minimizing harm to participants	Protecting vulnerable populations
Justice	Fair distribution of benefits and burdens of research	Equitable participant selection

Informed consent documents must include: purpose of study, procedures, risks, benefits, confidentiality measures, right to withdraw without penalty, and contact information. Failure to obtain consent violates the participant's fundamental right to self-determination.