How do IRBs handle research involving deception?

When it comes to research involving deception, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) have specific guidelines to ensure ethical standards are maintained while also allowing researchers the flexibility to conduct certain studies that may require deceptive elements. The correct approach is for the IRB to assess the justification for using deception in a study and to ensure that participants are debriefed afterward.

Deception might be considered acceptable in research when it is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the study, particularly when revealing the true nature of the research could bias the results. For instance, in social psychology research, participants may not be fully informed of the study's objectives to avoid influencing their behavior. However, this cannot be arbitrary; the researchers must provide a solid rationale for the use of deception.

After the completion of the research, debriefing becomes essential. This process involves informing participants about the true nature of the study, the reasons for the deception, and the potential impacts this may have on them. Debriefing serves to alleviate any potential distress caused by the deception and contributes to the ethical treatment of participants. Thus, the IRB approves studies involving deception only if these ethical measures are clearly outlined and justifications are provided.

In contrast, studies that automatically reject any form of deception without consideration would