deception research

any study in which participants are deliberately misled or not informed about the purpose of the investigation in order to avoid the possibility that their responses may be given to meet the perceived expectations of researchers. For example, a social psychologist may use a deception experiment in which participants are randomly assigned to either of two scenarios that each describe job applicants in identical terms except that one is midleadingly said to be a male and the other is female. The researcher may then assess any gender bias in the participants by asking how likely the applicant is to be hired, instead of directly asking participants about their attitudes toward gender. See active deception; double deception; passive deception.

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

Machiavellianism

n. a personality trait marked by a calculating attitude toward human relationships and a belief that ends justify means, however ruthless. A Machiavellian is one who views other people more or less as objects to be manipulated in pursuit of his or her goals, if necessary through deliberate deception. [Niccolò Machiavelli, who argued that an effective ruler must be prepared to act in this way]