In a memory study, researchers have participants study a list of words, and then tell them it was the wrong list and that they should forget it. This deception is meant to see how effectively participants can forget something they have already studied. If the researchers plan to debrief the participants afterward, would this design meet the standards of an ethical study?
A) No, it is not okay to mislead individuals during the course of a study.
B) Yes, given that the participants are not at risk and that they will be debriefed, this seems to be an ethical study.
C) No, because the researchers should not debrief the participants-it will simply cause them to become angry.
D) Yes, because participants fully understood all aspects of the study.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The study is ethical because the participants are not at any risk and they will be debriefed afterward. Deception is sometimes necessary in research, but it must be minimized and disclosed afterwards. Since researchers intend to debrief participants, this study design meets ethical standards.

In a Memory Study, Researchers Have Participants Study a List