Final answer:
The statement that researchers should conduct research only when the importance of the objective outweighs the inherent risks and burdens to participants is true. Researchers must prioritize participant safety, obtain informed consent, and ensure confidentiality while also aiming to contribute meaningful knowledge to society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true. Researchers, especially those in fields such as sociology, are bound by ethical guidelines that prioritize the importance of the research objectives against the potential risks and burdens to participants. The primary consideration is to ensure safety and welfare of the participants. Researchers must inform participants about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and ensure that participants give informed consent. This process includes evaluating whether the anticipated knowledge gained is crucial and whether it justifies any potential risks or inconveniences to those involved in the study.
Decisions on conducting research must weigh factors such as the potential to advance societal knowledge against the necessity to protect research participants from harm. It's essential to remember that the well-being of participants should never be compromised, even for the sake of significant potential benefits to society. Confidentiality must also be preserved, and participants should be informed that they can withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.