Which of the following constitutes both a breach of confidentiality (the research data have been disclosed, counter to the agreement between researcher and subjects) and a violation of subjects’ privacy (the right of the individuals to be protected against intrusion into their personal lives or affairs)?
A faculty member makes identifiable data about sexual behavior available to graduate students, although the subjects were assured that the data would be de-identified.
Which of the following constitutes both a breach of confidentiality (the research data have been disclosed, counter to the agreement between researcher and subjects) and a violation of subjects’ privacy (the right of the individuals to be protected against intrusion into their personal lives or affairs)?
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The scenario described constitutes both a breach of confidentiality and a violation of subjects’ privacy. This occurs because the faculty member has disclosed identifiable data, which contradicts the agreement made with the subjects regarding the de-identification of their data. The subjects were assured their information would remain confidential; this commitment was broken, leading to a violation of their privacy rights as their personal lives and behaviors were exposed without their consent. It is essential for researchers to uphold ethical standards to protect participants’ identities and privacy.