# Debriefing Form (Studies Using Deception)

> Required when your study involved any form of deception or incomplete disclosure. Deliver immediately after participation.

## Study Title
[FILL IN: study title]

## Thank You
Thank you for participating in this research. Before you leave, we would like to explain the study more fully.

## What You Were Told
At the beginning of the study, we told you that [FILL IN: the cover story / partial description given at consent].

## What the Study Was Actually About
The full purpose of this study was to [FILL IN: the real research question and hypothesis]. We used [FILL IN: specific deception or withheld information] because [FILL IN: methodological justification — e.g., "full disclosure would have altered the very behavior we were studying"].

## Why Deception Was Necessary
Research on [FILL IN: topic] requires that participants not know the true purpose in advance, because [FILL IN: scientific rationale]. The IRB at [FILL IN: institution] reviewed and approved this use of deception, judging that the knowledge to be gained outweighed the temporary misleading of participants.

## Your Data
You may now withdraw your data if you feel uncomfortable with how it was collected. If you withdraw, your responses will be destroyed and not used in the analysis. To withdraw, contact [FILL IN: PI name, email] by [FILL IN: deadline].

## Emotional Support
If any part of this experience was distressing, please consider the following resources:
- [FILL IN: campus counseling center name and number]
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- [FILL IN: other topic-relevant resources]

## Please Do Not Share
To protect the integrity of the study for future participants, please do not discuss the details of the deception with others who may take part.

## Questions
- About the study: [FILL IN: PI contact]
- About your rights as a participant: [FILL IN: IRB contact]

## Acknowledgment
I have received and read this debriefing form.

Participant Signature: ____________________________ Date: __________

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(C) 2026 Angel Reyes / Subthesis — Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Not affiliated with OHRP or any IRB.