Which of the following is NOT among the seven ethical criteria for research protocols?

• A. Scientifically valid.
• B. Favourable benefit/harm ratio.
• C. Informed Consent.
• D. Randomized assignment by coin toss.

Answer: (D)

Ethical criteria for research protocols focus on protecting participants and ensuring the study can yield valid knowledge. Scientifically valid design is essential because exposing people to risks for an answer you can’t trust would be unethical. A favorable benefit/harm ratio means that the potential benefits justify the risks involved. Informed consent protects autonomy by ensuring participants understand what they’re getting into and agree voluntarily. Randomized assignment by coin toss is a method used to allocate participants to groups and reduce bias, not an ethical criterion itself. A protocol may be ethically acceptable with or without randomization, provided it meets the other criteria and has appropriate safeguards, oversight, and fairness in subject selection.