Dr. Reef wanted to study relationship break-ups in natural settings. She enlisted several of her research assistants to recruit couples for the study. She fully disclosed the goals of the study to one of the individuals in the couple and only told the other individual that the study was focused on relationships. Dr. Reef devised "natural" scenarios where a break-up would occur and gained permission from both parties to observe. Dr. Reef was not fully honest with both participants for the sake of her research question, but the deception may not have been justifiable. Which of the following is true?
A) Dr. Reef's research used active deception ethically.
B) Dr. Reef's research used active deception unethically.
C) Dr. Reef's research used nonconcealment efforts unethically.
D) Dr. Reef's research used concealment efforts ethically.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dr. Reef's approach involved active deception by not fully disclosing the true nature of the study to both participants, which is considered unethical in research practices as it violates the principle of informed consent.

Dr Reef Wanted to Study Relationship Break-Ups in Natural Settings