Under which circumstance is it not appropriate to provide subjects with additional information post-study?

It is important to recognize that certain sensitive issues, such as those involving unflattering physical characteristics, require careful handling of information and the potential impact on participants. In this context, if participants were assigned based on characteristics that could lead to stigmatization or distress, providing additional information post-study could exacerbate feelings of embarrassment or lead to negative emotional consequences.

In studies where sensitive aspects about participants are involved, ethical considerations dictate that researchers must prioritize the well-being of participants. Therefore, offering additional information after such a study might not only be unnecessary but could also have harmful implications for the participants involved. This makes it inappropriate to disclose further information that could affect their self-esteem or mental health.

In contrast, studies using established psychological assessments, educational practices, or political opinion surveys generally do not carry the same level of risk regarding participant sensitivity and, therefore, can support post-study debriefing or information provision to enhance understanding or provide closure for participants.