What aspect of research does ethics primarily focus on?

Ethics in research is fundamentally concerned with the protection of participant rights and well-being. This aspect includes ensuring informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and minimizing any potential harm to participants. Ethical guidelines are designed to safeguard participants' autonomy and ensure that they are treated with respect throughout the research process. Researchers have a moral obligation to prioritize the safety and dignity of individuals involved in their studies, which is why ethical considerations are a central pillar of any research endeavor.

Statistical methods and data quality, while important to the integrity of research findings, do not directly address the ethical implications of how participants are treated. Effectiveness of behavioral interventions relates more to the outcomes of research rather than addressing how the research is conducted in a morally responsible way. Thus, the focus on participant rights and well-being encapsulates the core of ethical research practices.