Final answer:
In the debriefing, the investigator gives a comprehensive overview and rationale of the study after its completion, explaining any deception, ethical considerations, and the significance of the findings to participants.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the debriefing, the investigator provides a full account and justification of the research activities after they are over. This process is an essential part of the research methodology in experiments involving human participants. It ensures that all participants understand the nature of the study, its purpose, and the results obtained. The debriefing also provides an opportunity for researchers to discuss any deception that was part of the study and to alleviate any potential distress caused to the participants.
During the debriefing, researchers might explain how the results of the study contribute to the broader field of knowledge, and they can also address any ethical concerns that might have arisen during the course of the research. For the clarity of the research process, before experimenting, participants are typically required to read and sign an informed consent, which outlines the nature of the research, any potential risks, and the rights of the participants. Once an experiment is completed, the researcher analyzes the results and includes them in the Results and/or Discussion section of their published work, frequently accompanied by tables or graphs to illustrate the findings.