What principle of ethics requires researchers to protect the identity of participants and any unique data collected during the study?

Confidentiality is a fundamental principle of ethics in research that mandates the protection of participants' identities and the unique data collected from them. This principle ensures that any information disclosed by participants during the study is kept secure and private, preventing unauthorized access or identification that could occur if such data were disclosed. By upholding confidentiality, researchers foster trust and encourage honest participation, as individuals are more likely to engage openly if they know their identities and personal information will be safeguarded.

Informed consent involves ensuring that participants are fully aware of the nature of the research, any potential risks, and their right to withdraw without penalty, but it does not specifically address the safeguarding of personal data. Informed assent is related to the consent process, often used when dealing with minors or individuals unable to give full consent, and ensures their agreement to participate. Debriefing refers to the process of informing participants about the study's purpose and findings after their involvement has concluded, which again does not inherently address the confidentiality of their data during the study.