In psychology, participants are often deceived about the real aims of the research. Explain why researchers often use deception in conformity research studies. [2 marks]

In psychology, participants are often deceived about the real aims of the research. Explain why researchers often use deception in conformity research studies. [2 marks]

Answer: Researchers use deception so participants do not know the real aim of the study. If they did, they might change their behaviour because of demand characteristics, so their conformity would not be genuine and the findings would be less valid.

Examiner Comment: Students should do more than simply state that deception prevents demand characteristics. They should explain how this improves validity by making participants behave more naturally, which allows conformity to be measured more accurately.