Although not usually the first choice, it is sometimes necessary to omit information in order to protect the validity of the data collected 8. It is important to remember that consent is an ongoing process The consent process is a negotiation between the researcher and each potential participant, and requires clear and appropriate communication by researchers - coupled with respect for the autonomy of the individual considering research participation. Privacy and Confidentiality Respect for privacy is at the heart of the conduct of ethical research with human subjects. Privacy refers to a person s interest in controlling other people's access to information about themselves. Confidentiality refers to the right to maintain private information divulged in the course of a professional relationship with a researcher.
Research participants can file a suit for invasion of privacy under tort law.
However, if the researcher has taken reasonable precautions and if the activity is approved by the IRB, they are usually dismissed. Privacy has two major aspects. The first is the freedom to pick and choose the time and circumstances under which facts about a person, e.g., attitudes, beliefs, opinions, etc., are shared or withheld from others. The second is a person s right not to be given information that he or she does not want, i.e., HIV testing results, standardized testing scores , etc. Anonymity provides excellent protection of privacy.