Can deception or misrepresentation be used in studies with human subjects?
Yes, if the benefits outweigh the risks to the subjects for participating in such a study, and if the investigator provides a compelling scientific justification for such experimental manipulation. The participants must be informed that some information is being withheld until the end of their participation. If deception or misrepresentation is involved, the subjects must receive an explanation (a debriefing) about the nature of the experiment and why such manipulation was critical to its success. Such an explanation should be included with the materials submitted for IRB review and approval.
