During Data Collection by a Marketing Research Firm, the Respondents

During data collection by a marketing research firm, the respondents were not informed about the real purpose of the study.In response, the firm halts the research project.This action occurs in which step of ethical decision making?

A) identify issues
B) promote the firm's corporate social responsibility efforts
C) gather information and identify stakeholders
D) brainstorm and evaluate alternatives
E) choose a course of action