What is meant by "research ethics"?

Research ethics refers to the principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of research to ensure integrity, accountability, and respect for the rights and well-being of research participants. This includes ensuring informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and avoiding any form of deception unless it is essential for the research and is ethically justified. Upholding research ethics is crucial in maintaining public trust in scientific research and fostering an environment where accurate and reliable findings can emerge.

The importance of research ethics also extends to addressing issues related to data integrity and the responsible use of research resources. It ensures that researchers do not engage in practices such as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism. Thus, this option encapsulates the comprehensive framework that governs ethical research conduct, making it the most accurate choice in understanding the term "research ethics."