Which of the following is an ethical responsibility that researchers have toward participants in psychological studies?

• A. Requiring participants to disclose all personal information to the research team
• B. Obtaining informed consent from all participants before the study begins
• C. Allowing researchers to withhold information about the study's purpose indefinitely
• D. Permitting researchers to use deception without any debriefing

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of ethical responsibilities in psychological research, which are guidelines designed to protect participants' rights and well-being.
2. Recognize that obtaining informed consent means participants are fully informed about the study's nature, risks, and benefits before agreeing to take part.
3. Identify that requiring participants to disclose all personal information is not ethical because it violates privacy and confidentiality.
4. Note that withholding information indefinitely or using deception without debriefing violates ethical standards, as participants must be debriefed to understand the true nature of the study after participation.
5. Conclude that the ethical responsibility researchers have is to obtain informed consent from all participants before the study begins, ensuring respect for autonomy and voluntary participation.