Final answer:
The post-experimental explanation to study participants, including its purpose and any deceptions used, is known as debriefing. It is critical for maintaining ethical standards in research involving human subjects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The post-experimental explanation of a study is known as debriefing. It involves providing complete, honest information to participants about the purpose of the experiment, how their data will be used, the reasons why deception was necessary (if it was used), and information about how to obtain additional details about the study. Debriefings are essential in research involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards are met and to inform participants about the true nature of the experiment after its completion.
Informed consent is vital before starting an experiment, as individuals should know what they are getting into, to the extent possible without compromising the study's integrity. If deception is employed during a study, it must not cause harm, and debriefing helps to clarify any misinformation provided earlier. Rejecting a hypothesis does not necessarily mean the experiment was a failure; it could still provide valuable insights, and thus signify a successful experiment.