A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What does debriefing involve after a psychological research study?

1. Offering compensation to participants

2. Informing participants about the true nature of the study

3. Collecting final feedback from participants

4. Ensuring participants do not discuss the study

The correct answer is: Informing participants about the true nature of the study

Debriefing is a crucial component of psychological research, particularly when the study involves deception or when participants may have been exposed to potentially distressing or confusing situations. The purpose of debriefing is to inform participants about the true nature of the study they participated in. This process helps to ensure that participants clearly understand the research objectives and the methods involved, including any deception that was employed. Informing participants not only enhances their understanding but also aids in alleviating any discomfort or confusion that may have arisen during the study. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to educate participants about the scientific significance of the research and to address any ethical concerns regarding their participation. Ultimately, debriefing helps to uphold ethical standards in psychological research by ensuring that participants leave the study with a complete understanding of their involvement and its implications. In contrast, while collecting feedback, offering compensation, and ensuring confidentiality are important aspects of research ethics, they do not capture the primary function of debriefing, which is centered around transparency and participant understanding of the research process.