2021•The Encyclopedia of Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal JusticeRequires access
Anonymity and Confidentiality
Joseph Hoft
Open publisher page 45 citations
Abstract
Anonymity and confidentiality are mostly applied to case study research and are closely linked while maintaining strict differences. The practices of anonymity and confidentiality are used to protect the privacy of human subjects who are participating in a study while collecting, analyzing, and reporting data associated with the participants. Retaining accuracy and integrity is essential in the collection of data for research purposes. Some studies assure that participants are able to distinguish between anonymity and confidentiality, and may be influenced by knowing whether the information collected will be either anonymous or confidential. The risk of compromising the anonymity of research participants can be subdued by removing participant identifiers. Researchers must take ethical practices seriously, as any research study that involves the need for participants must first be approved to ensure that anonymity and confidentiality are present.