Question

As per the ethical guidelines of American Psychological Association, which of the option(s) depict(s) unacceptable use of ‘Deception’ in psychology research?

• A. Falsifying the data
• B. Temporary withholding of information about the study from the participants
• C. Not taking informed consent
• D. Use of confederates

Hint:

Deception must never violate core ethics: no lying in data, and always take informed consent!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, C

Step 1: Understand ethical guidelines about deception.
According to APA guidelines:
Deception can be used under strict conditions but must not violate key ethical principles like honesty, informed consent, or harm prevention.
Temporary withholding of minor information (Option B) or using confederates (Option D) can be acceptable if approved by an ethics review board and participants are debriefed afterward.
Falsifying data (Option A) is completely unethical and unacceptable — it is scientific misconduct, not an acceptable deception.
Not taking informed consent (Option C) is also a serious ethical violation — informed consent is mandatory.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
- (A) Falsifying the data: Unacceptable — serious misconduct.
- (B) Temporary withholding of information: Acceptable under strict conditions.
- (C) Not taking informed consent: Unacceptable — major ethical violation.
- (D) Use of confederates: Acceptable if participants are debriefed later.
Thus, the correct answers are:
\[ \boxed{(A) \text{ Falsifying the data},\ (C) \text{ Not taking informed consent}} \]