Before taking part in research it's usually accepted that the subjects know that research is taking place, they should agree to take part. This consent should be 'informed', they should know aims of the research and any potential risks. It's also accepted that consent can be withdrawn at any time. For research involving young or vulnerable people, the consent might be given by parents or carers.
If the subjects of the research are unaware or misled about its aims, then they have been deceived. Covert research is thus in breach of the general rule about consent, it should only be undertaken when essential information can't be collected any other way.
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