What does "confidentiality" mean in the context of research?

In the context of research, "confidentiality" refers to the assurance that participant information will be kept private. This means that any personal data collected from research participants is handled in a manner that prevents unauthorized access and protects their identity. Researchers have an ethical obligation to ensure that sensitive information is not disclosed without the participant's consent and to use de-identified data whenever possible to further safeguard participant privacy.

Confidentiality is crucial not only for maintaining the trust of participants but also for complying with legal and ethical guidelines governing research, such as those outlined by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and privacy regulations like HIPAA. Protecting participants' confidentiality encourages participation and upholds the integrity of the research process.