Which statement reflects TCPS 2 guidance on disseminating results to participants?

• A. Publication in an academic journal is the only acceptable form of dissemination.
• B. It is important to communicate research results to participants, in a format suitable to them.
• C. Researchers should only disseminate results if they confirm their hypothesis.
• D. Dissemination of results to participants is discouraged to protect privacy.

Answer: (B)

Sharing results with participants in a format they can understand is a central obligation under TCPS 2. It recognizes that participants contribute to research and deserve to know the outcomes in a way that fits their language, literacy, and context, not just in scholarly journals. The statement that it is important to communicate research results to participants, in a format suitable to them, best captures this obligation. Publishing in an academic journal is not the only or required channel, so researchers should provide lay summaries, community updates, or other accessible formats. Dissemination isn’t discouraged—privacy protections are important, but results should still be shared with participants when feasible. Dissemination should not wait until a hypothesis is confirmed; sharing outcomes, including null or negative results, respects participants and supports transparency.