In Humphreys' Tearoom Trade study, which ethical principle was violated by collecting data under false pretenses?

The correct choice revolves around the ethical principle of respect for persons, which emphasizes the importance of informed consent and the autonomy of individuals participating in research. In Humphreys' Tearoom Trade study, data was collected under false pretenses, as the researcher did not inform the participants that they were being observed and recorded during intimate encounters. This lack of transparency compromised the participants' ability to provide informed consent, thus violating their autonomy and failing to respect their rights as individuals.

Respect for persons is a cornerstone of ethical research involving human subjects, as it recognizes each person's dignity and the importance of allowing individuals to make informed choices about their participation. By collecting data without the participants’ knowledge or consent, the study did not uphold this principle, which is fundamental to ethical research practices.