Debriefing

Debriefing is the process of giving participants further information about a study in which they participated at the conclusion of their participation. Debriefing continues the informational process that began at the participant recruitment or informed consent stage. If the true purpose of the study was revealed to participants at the informed consent stage, debriefing is fairly straightforward. Participants are reminded of the purposes of the study, given further information about expected results, and thanked for their participation. The debriefing session also provides an opportunity for participants to ask any questions they may have about the study. In some research situations, participants might be called on to discuss negative emotions or reveal sensitive information (e.g., studies on relationship violence or eating disorders). In such studies, the ...