The common ethical guideline suggested by the American Psychological Association (APA) regarding participant deception in research is:
Participants cannot be deceived about aspects of the research.
This guideline emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency when involving individuals in research studies. Deceiving participants about the nature or purpose of a study can lead to ethical concerns as it undermines their autonomy and ability to provide informed consent.
APA guidelines stress the need for researchers to obtain informed consent from participants, which involves providing clear and accurate information about the study, including any potential risks or deceptive elements. By upholding this ethical standard, researchers can ensure that participants are treated with respect and their rights are protected throughout the research process.
In summary, the APA ethical guideline on participant deception underscores the importance of honesty, transparency, and respect for participants' autonomy in research studies.
