What ethical dilemma might arise in research involving deception?

In research involving deception, the ethical dilemma primarily revolves around the balance between scientific integrity and obtaining informed consent from participants. When deception is used in a study, it often means that participants are not fully informed about the true nature of the research or its purposes at the outset. This raises a significant ethical concern because informed consent, a cornerstone of ethical research practice, requires that participants are made aware of what they are agreeing to.

Researchers must ensure that any deception does not cause harm and is justified by the potential benefits of the research. There is a need to weigh the importance of gathering valid data against the obligation to respect the autonomy and informed consent rights of study participants. This delicate balancing act can create ethical dilemmas; while the integrity of the research may depend on deception, the ethical obligation to inform participants is paramount.

The other options, while relevant to research ethics in general, do not directly address the complications that arise specifically from the use of deception in studies. Options concerning data accuracy, participant confidentiality, and data sharing protocols represent important aspects of ethical research but do not capture the unique ethical conflict posed by the use of deceptive practices in obtaining consent.