Debrief details: during debriefing, what should happen?

Debrief details: during debriefing, what should happen?

• A. Discuss the aims of the research with the participants and ensure they know how they've contributed to meeting the aims.
• B. Debriefing should be done only if deception was used.
• C. Debriefing should never reveal aims.
• D. Debriefing should be avoided to protect data.

Answer: (A)

Debriefing is the post-study step that aims to leave participants informed and comfortable with what happened. The strongest element here is discussing the aims of the research and showing how the participant’s involvement contributed to achieving those aims. This transparency helps correct any misconceptions formed during the study, reinforces respect for the participant, and supports ethical practice by restoring autonomy after the session. Debriefing is appropriate in all studies, not only those with deception, and it’s also the time to answer questions, clarify any deception if it occurred, and provide information on how to contact researchers or withdraw data if allowed. The other options contradict ethical practice: debriefing isn’t only for deception, aims should be disclosed, and it isn’t something to be avoided to protect data.

Debriefing is the post-study step that aims to leave participants informed and comfortable with what happened. The strongest element here is discussing the aims of the research and showing how the participant’s involvement contributed to achieving those aims. This transparency helps correct any misconceptions formed during the study, reinforces respect for the participant, and supports ethical practice by restoring autonomy after the session. Debriefing is appropriate in all studies, not only those with deception, and it’s also the time to answer questions, clarify any deception if it occurred, and provide information on how to contact researchers or withdraw data if allowed. The other options contradict ethical practice: debriefing isn’t only for deception, aims should be disclosed, and it isn’t something to be avoided to protect data.