Final answer:
The ethical research principle requiring participants to be informed about a study before participation is called informed consent. It ensures participants are aware of study details, risks, and benefits and that their participation is voluntary. In some studies involving deception, a full debriefing is required afterward. Hence, option (a) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ethical research principle stating that participants must be informed about the nature of a study before participating is known as informed consent. Informed consent is a process that ensures research participants are fully aware of what the experiment involves, including any risks and benefits, and the implications of the research. Participants must voluntarily consent to be part of the study, understanding they can withdraw at any time without penalty.
In cases involving deception for the integrity of the study, a full debriefing is required post-experiment to explain the study's true nature and the reasons behind the use of deception. All data collected in experiments must be kept confidential unless otherwise agreed upon.
It is also important to note that if the participants are minors, informed consent must be obtained from their parents or legal guardians. This principle protects individuals by ensuring they are making an informed decision when agreeing to participate in research.