A confidentiality statement is an important document that establishes the terms and conditions regarding the privacy and protection of personal information in a research project (Wiles et al., 2008). By signing this document, participants in the study agree to the confidentiality measures in place.
Components of a confidentiality statement:
The confidentiality statement should include the researcher's name, the research institution's name, and the names of the participants. It should clearly outline the types of information collected from participants, such as personal data, survey responses, or interview transcripts. The statement should also specify who is bound by the confidentiality agreement and for how long. Typically, the agreement encompasses the researcher, the research institution, and any authorized third parties who may access confidential information (Boruch, 1971).
Exclusions from confidential treatment should also be addressed. This section identifies information that is not considered confidential, such as data already in the public domain or information legally required to be disclosed (Kamanzi & Romania, 2019). Additionally, it is essential to mention the consequences of violating the confidentiality agreement, which may include legal actions or termination of participation in the study.
Other provisions that may be included in a confidentiality statement:
- Storage and Protection: The statement may describe how confidential information will be securely stored and protected, highlighting measures like encryption, password protection, or restricted access.
- Use of Confidential Information: It is beneficial to outline how the confidential information will be used solely for the research project and not for any other unrelated activities without explicit consent from the participants. Emphasize that data analysis and reporting will maintain anonymity and confidentiality (FASA & Aitchison, 2018).
- Access to Confidential Information: Participants should be informed about how they can access their confidential information if they wish to do so, including any procedures or contact details they need to follow.
Conclusion
When creating a confidentiality statement, it is crucial to review the specific requirements of our institution (TUW), research ethics guidelines, and applicable legal obligations to ensure compliance. It is equally important to consider the unique needs of your research project, ensuring that the statement is clear, concise, and easily understood by the participants. By following these guidelines, you can effectively protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants' personal information throughout your doctoral research project.
References
Boruch, R. F. (1971). Assuring confidentiality of responses in social research: A note on strategies. The American Sociologist, 308-311.
FASA, F., & Aitchison, R. (2018). CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT.
https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ProvidedDocs/93/NCT03708393/SAP_001.pdf
Kamanzi, A., & Romania, M. (2019). Rethinking Confidentiality in Qualitative Research in the Era of Big Data. American Behavioral Scientist, 63(6), 743–
758. Retrieved from Sage Psychology Subject Collection in the TUW library.
Wiles, R., Crow, G., Heath, S., & Charles, V. (2008). The management of confidentiality and anonymity in social research. International Journal of Social
Research Methodology: Theory & Practice, 11(5), 417–428. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645570701622231