In the realm of psychological research, adherence to ethical guidelines is fundamental in upholding the rights and welfare of participants. These guidelines are often established by professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association (APA). However, researchers may encounter scenarios where the application of these guidelines can be complex, particularly regarding the use of deception. Consider a situation in which researchers design a study that involves misleading participants about the true nature of the research to avoid bias. Which ethical principle is primarily being compromised in this scenario?