What is one of the core principles in ethical research regarding deception?

One of the core principles in ethical research regarding deception is that participants must always be debriefed about any deception. This principle is rooted in the belief that while deception may sometimes be necessary for certain types of research to ensure valid results, it is crucial to maintain the integrity and trust of the participant-researcher relationship. Debriefing allows researchers to explain the true nature of the study and its purpose, helping participants to understand why deception was used and addressing any potential distress caused. This process is essential in ensuring that participants leave the study without negative feelings and that they are fully informed about their participation. It helps to uphold ethical standards, ensuring respect for the autonomy and dignity of participants.

In contrast, the other options reflect misunderstandings of ethical research practices related to deception. For example, the allowance for absolute deception without any debriefing undermines ethical standards. Similarly, the assertion that deception should never occur ignores the complexities of research designs that may require it, when methodologies are appropriately justified and debriefing is included. Additionally, promoting deception as a method for increasing engagement does not consider the ethical implications of misleading participants.