Which ethical concern involves misleading participants about the true nature of the study?

The correct choice is deception, which refers to the practice of misleading participants regarding certain aspects of a study, particularly its true purpose or the nature of the research. In many psychological studies, researchers may employ some form of deception to prevent bias in the participants' behavior or responses, ensuring that the results reflect genuine reactions rather than those influenced by the knowledge of the study's aims. However, ethical considerations dictate that such deception must be justified, and participants should be debriefed afterward to explain the reasons for the deception and mitigate any potential negative effects.

Informed consent pertains to ensuring that participants understand what they are agreeing to before participating in a study, emphasizing their right to be fully informed without deception. Confidentiality involves protecting the identities and personal information of participants throughout and after the study. The right to withdraw gives participants the autonomy to leave the study at any point without facing negative consequences. While these aspects are significant in research ethics, they do not specifically address the issue of misleading participants about the study's purpose, which is central to deception.