Why is debriefing important after a deception-based study?

• A. It explains the true nature of the study, resolves any potential misconceptions, alleviates distress, and ensures ethical integrity.
• B. It helps recruit more participants.
• C. It ensures the data is published quickly.
• D. It allows researchers to re-run the deception.

Answer: (A)

Debriefing after deception is essential because it reveals the true purpose of the study and explains any deception used, helping to correct any misconceptions participants may have about what happened. It also gives researchers a chance to address and alleviate any distress or negative feelings the deception may have caused, protecting participants’ well-being. Beyond individual welfare, debriefing supports ethical standards by ensuring participants leave with a clear, accurate understanding of the research and an informed sense of their involvement, which helps maintain trust in psychological research. Other options miss these core aims—they don’t focus on participant welfare, understanding, or ethics, which is why they aren’t the purpose of debriefing.