A researcher leaves a research file in her car while she attends a concert and her car is stolen. The file contains charts of aggregated numerical data from a research study with human subjects, but no other documents. The consent form said that no identifying information would be retained, and the researcher adhered to that component. Which of the following statements best characterizes what occurred?

The subjects' privacy has been violated.

Confidentiality of the data has been breached.

There was neither a violation of privacy nor a breach of confidentiality.

There was both a violation of privacy and a breach of confidentiality.

The file that is stolen, contains charts of aggregated numerical data, not the identity of the subjects of that research. Therefore, it doesn’t violate the consent form. No information about the subjects are leaked, so there is no violation of privacy nor breach of confidentiality.

Confidentiality itself is a protection of one’s personal information. Confidentiality means that the information of a client will only be kept between you and the client. No other person will know about the client’s information, including the client’s own family, friends, spouse, co-workers, etc.

Confidentiality acts include that the individual’s files have to be locked and secured, not telling the client’s information to anyone, only if the client himself give permission, client’s medical details are also not going to be discussed without consent. An adult client has the right to keep any information confidential. It is his right. This also includes keeping the information hidden and kept from friends, family, and spouse.

The things that are considered confidential includes client’s name, date of birth, sex, age, address, bank details, medical records, personal problems, personal plans, guardianship orders, sex life, religious beliefs, etc. In the question, only the numerical charts of research are leaked, so it does not violate privacy and confidentiality.

LEARN MORE

If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:

Confidentiality in research: https://brainly.com/question/12993629

Deception in research: https://brainly.com/question/10775874

KEYWORD: confidentiality, privacy, research

Subject: Social studies

Class: 10-12

Subchapter: Confidentiality