Can I conduct research that uses deceptive techniques?

There are some research questions that require techniques that involve deception in the study design to achieve the purpose and answer the question. In order for such a study to gain approval, the researcher will have to explain in their application how the use of deceptive techniques is justified by the study’s significant prospective scientific, educational or applied value and how alternate nondeceptive alternative procedures are not feasible. Most studies that contain deception techniques will be reviewed by a full board committee process. Low risk deception, such as passive deception studies that contain risk control (e.g., debriefing) may be reviewed by an expedited format at the board’s discretion.

Last updated: 2/21/2023