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Debriefing and accountability in deceptive research.
Franklin G Miller1, John P Gluck, David Wendler
1Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal
|October 22, 2008
Summary
Debriefing in human research is ethically required after deception. This study argues debriefing promotes accountability by explaining deception, apologizing for disrespect, and allowing data withdrawal, enhancing research integrity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Research Ethics
Background:
- Debriefing is an ethical requirement in human research involving deception.
- Systematic attention to the ethical significance and functions of debriefing is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an account of debriefing as a tool for moral accountability in research deception.
- To outline specific ethical functions of debriefing, including transparency, apology, and data withdrawal.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of ethical principles in research.
- Development of a framework for debriefing practices.
Main Results:
- Debriefing serves as a mechanism for moral accountability for deception.
- Key components of effective debriefing include explaining the deception and rationale, offering an apology, and enabling data withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Debriefing is crucial for upholding the principle of respect for persons when deception is used.
- Recommendations are provided for discussing deception in scientific publications to improve transparency and ethical standards.
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