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 ethically.
D) Dr. Reef's research used concealment efforts ethically.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dr. Reef's use of active deception in the study is not justifiable and therefore is unethical. Both parties should have been fully informed of the nature and goals of the study before giving consent.

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