Which of the following describes the role of a researcher who deceives subjects?

The role of a researcher who deceives subjects is best described by the notion that the researcher jeopardizes the integrity of the research. Deception in research can undermine trust not only between the researcher and subjects but also in the broader research community. When subjects are deceived, their responses may no longer accurately represent their true beliefs or behaviors, leading to biased data that can compromise the validity of the study's findings. Furthermore, ethical concerns arise when transparency is lacking, which can negatively impact the perceived legitimacy of the research and the institution conducting it.

In research ethics, especially within the field of criminal justice, maintaining integrity is paramount, and any form of deception must be justified and managed carefully to avoid harming participants or the research process itself. It is essential for researchers to balance the need for accurate data with ethical standards, often requiring a thorough examination of whether the deception is necessary and justifiable for the sake of the research objectives.