What is an ethical dilemma researchers may face during their studies?

The ethical dilemma of balancing the need for data collection with the potential risk to participants' welfare is a central concern in research. Researchers often find themselves in situations where they must collect data to answer important questions, but doing so might put participants at risk of harm or discomfort. This raises ethical considerations about participant consent, the right to withdraw, and overall well-being.

In many studies, especially those involving sensitive topics or vulnerable populations, the researcher must carefully weigh the potential benefits of the research against the possible adverse effects on participants. Ensuring that the study design protects participants' rights and safety is paramount, which is why ethical guidelines set forth by institutional review boards (IRBs) and ethical committees are in place to guide researchers in making these critical decisions.

The other options relate to methodological and logistical aspects of research but do not directly address ethical considerations. Selecting statistical methods, deciding on funding sources, and determining sample sizes are important tasks that require careful thought but typically do not involve the same level of ethical scrutiny regarding participant welfare.