The purpose of debriefing in psychology research is to:

The purpose of debriefing in psychology research is primarily to explain the study's purpose and any deception used. During this process, researchers take the time to clarify the goals of the study, outline the methods, and address any misleading information that participants may have encountered during the research. This step is crucial for several reasons.

First, it helps to ensure that participants leave the study with a clear understanding of what the research was aiming to investigate and why certain procedures were employed. This is especially important when deception is involved, as it mitigates any potential negative feelings participants might have from being misled. By explaining the reasoning behind the deception, researchers can enhance participants' appreciation of the science behind the research.

Second, debriefing serves an ethical purpose, as it promotes transparency and participant trust. It allows researchers to reinforce that the welfare of the participants is prioritized, and that they are valued as contributors to psychological knowledge.

Finally, the debriefing process can also serve a valuable function in addressing any psychological impacts the study may have had on participants, ensuring they leave the study feeling respected and cared for.

Other choices such as gathering more data or changing participants' responses do not capture the core intent of debriefing. While improving future research methodologies may be