When is deception permissible in TCPS 2 research?

• A. Never allowed.
• B. Only when participants explicitly consent to deception.
• C. Always allowed if the study is important.
• D. Only when essential to the research design and approved by the REB, with safeguards and debriefing.

Answer: (D)

Deception is permissible in TCPS 2 research only when it is essential to the research design and has been approved by the Research Ethics Board, with safeguards to minimize risk and a thorough debriefing afterward. This means deception isn’t allowed by default; it must be justified by the study’s value, the feasibility of alternatives, and the goal of reducing bias or preserving realism, while ensuring participants aren’t exposed to undue harm. Researchers obtain consent to participate, but not to the deceptive elements themselves, which are disclosed and explained during debriefing after participation to address any misconceptions and restore trust.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: deception isn’t categorically prohibited, so it isn’t “never allowed.” It isn’t correct that participants must explicitly consent to deception; consent to participate is given, but the deceptive aspects are typically revealed during debriefing rather than up front. And deception isn’t universally allowed just because a study is important—there are strict conditions, safeguards, and ethical review required to justify its use.