Final answer:
The principle in question is the researcher's ethical obligation to respect the autonomy and informed consent of their research subjects, an essential part of ethical conduct in research within social studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement refers to the ethical concept in research that mandates researchers to respect the autonomy of the individuals included in their studies. This means acknowledging the principle of autonomy, ensuring that participants grant informed consent, and thus protecting them from exploitation. In social research, this principle is reinforced by professional codes, such as those from the American Sociological Association, which set guidelines for ethical and professionally responsible scholarship. Respecting participant autonomy also extends to minimizing harm, protecting privacy, and maintaining the confidentiality of the research subjects.
Reflecting constructivist principles, it's not just within clinical settings that autonomy is held in high regard. When states enact policies, such as social safety net programs, and then advocate for other states to follow suit, they are upholding the norm that each entity has the right to self-governance while also promoting global standards. Furthermore, researchers may allow their participants to review results and retain ownership of ethnographic content, further emphasizing the importance of informed consent and autonomy in the research practice.