What is the difference between confidentiality and anonymity, and how can researchers protect the confidentiality of subjects?

What will be an ideal response?


Confidentiality is an active attempt to remove from the research records any elements that might indicate the subjects' identities. Anonymity means that the subjects remain nameless. In qualitative research, anonymity is nearly impossible, but researchers can take a number of steps to ensure confidentiality. First, they can systematically change each subject's real name, replacing it with a pseudonym or case number. Identifying records, such as a list of names should be kept secure and disposed of as soon as it is no longer necessary. Researchers can apply for a Federal Certificate of Confidentiality to retain immunity from revealing notes, names, or other pertinent information in court. Researchers should sign an agreement within their own team not to carelessly discuss research and to keep information confidential.

Social Work & Human Services

You might also like to view...

The Federal Poverty Threshold is an absolute measure of inequality

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

Social Work & Human Services

Cultural relational theory involves

a) Mutual empathy b) Relational authenticity and differentiation c) Self-empathy d) all of the above

Social Work & Human Services

Social workers can use generalist practice skills to mobilize citizens within communities in order to accomplish the goals these citizens define for themselves.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Social Work & Human Services

Researchers complete their research and make sure they have

included the limitations. Why might that be important? A. A place for the writer to introduce new information B. In order to generalize the findings. C. To explain all of the errors of the research D. This is a required section of the report

Social Work & Human Services