the procedure whereby the purpose of the study and exactly what transpired is explained to participants at the end of an experiment
Giving subjects previously undisclosed information about the research project following completion of their participation in the research. (Note that this usage, which occurs within the behavioral sciences, departs from the standard English, in which debriefing is obtaining rather than imparting information.)
a session set up after completion of a psychological study, which explains the exact nature of that study to the subject, where this has not been possible at its commencement and where any use of deception during the experiment is revealed to them.
a procedure, after the completion of a research study, that informs subjects of the purpose of the study and aims to remove any physical or psychological distress caused by participation. 58
A step at the end of a procedure in which participants are told what the procedure involved and why it was designed as it was, and in which any manipulations to the participants' beliefs or state are undone.
Immediately following data collection, subjects should be given clarification for any misconceptions that may have arisen. Subjects should be told the general nature of responses and told who (when and where) to contact if any follow-up is needed, e.g., counseling.
A session conducted after an experimental session in which participants are informed of any deception used and the reasons for the deception.
A procedure at the conclusion of a research session in which participants are given full information about the nature and hypotheses of the study.
A disclosure, made to participants after research procedures are completed, in which the researcher explains the purpose of the research, attempts to resolve any negative feelings, and emphasizes the scientific contribution made by the participants' involvement.
After running a study, explaining to a participant what happened and what the study is for, explaining any deception used in the study, asking for any remaining comments or concerns, and ensuring that the participant is left with no adverse consequences from the experience. This sometimes involves providing contact information for groups that can provide support regarding a difficult issue.
A debriefing or psychological debriefing is a one-time, semi-structured conversation with an individual who has just experienced a stressful or traumatic event. In most cases, the purpose of debriefing is to reduce any possibility of psychological harm by informing people about their experience or allowing them to talk about it.