Deception is a common feature of some social science research approaches yet absent or even forbidden by professional norms in other closely related social sciences. What is deception? In what ways is it useful? When is it ethical? And what impacts does it have on research practice and results? How does the LSE Research Ethics Committee view the use of deception?

This session will discuss the practice and ethics of deception from a variety of research perspectives and disciplinary traditions. The goal is to guide researchers in thinking about whether and how to use deception while protecting participants, research integrity, and professional standards.