What does the term "deception" imply in research involving human subjects?

The term "deception" in research involving human subjects refers to the practice of misleading or providing false information to participants regarding certain aspects of the study. This can jeopardize the integrity of the informed consent process because informed consent relies on participants having a complete understanding of what the research entails, including any risks or procedures involved. When deception is involved, the ability of individuals to give informed consent is compromised, as they are not fully aware of the truth about their participation in the study.

Ethically, researchers must balance the potential benefits of deception against its impact on participants' rights. Researchers can engage in deception under specific circumstances, particularly if it is justified by significant research benefits that cannot be gained without such deception. However, they are required to debrief participants afterward, explaining the truth of the research to mitigate any misconceptions or potential harm caused by the deception. Thus, while deception can be a useful tool in certain research methods, it must be approached with caution to maintain ethical standards.