📚 Topic Summary
Debriefing participants after a cognitive psychology experiment is an essential ethical and methodological practice. It involves informing participants about the true nature and purpose of the study, revealing any deception used, and addressing any misconceptions or concerns they may have. Effective debriefing aims to ensure participants leave the study with a clear understanding of the research, minimize any potential harm, and reinforce their positive experience as contributors to scientific knowledge. A well-conducted debriefing session also provides valuable feedback to the researcher, potentially improving future study designs.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Deception |
A. Withholding information or misleading participants about the true purpose of the study. |
| 2. Informed Consent |
B. Ensuring participants understand the study's purpose, risks, and benefits before agreeing to participate. |
| 3. Confidentiality |
C. Protecting participants' identities and data from unauthorized disclosure. |
| 4. Institutional Review Board (IRB) |
D. A committee that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met. |
| 5. Psychological Distress |
E. Emotional suffering or discomfort experienced by a participant, potentially due to the study. |
Match the following: 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E
📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
The primary goal of debriefing is to ensure _________ well-being and to provide a clear _________ of the study's purpose, especially if _________ was used. Researchers should address any _________ or concerns the participants may have, and offer resources if participants experienced any _________ during the experiment.
Answer: participant, explanation, deception, questions, distress
💡 Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine you used mild deception in your cognitive psychology experiment. What specific steps would you take during the debriefing process to ensure participants leave feeling respected and informed about the true nature of the study?