HTHSCI 4NR3 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Data Retention, Social Insurance Number, Identifiability

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: HTHSCI 4NR3

Document Summary

Research involving human participants often requires that researchers have access to personal and sometimes sensitive information about participants. This information may be conveyed through data or through human biological materials. This module highlights the ethical importance of protecting research participants" privacy, and considers approaches for preserving confidentiality. Protecting privacy, maintaining confidentiality a shared responsibility. Privacy refers to an individual"s right to be free from intrusion or interference by others (chapter 5, section a). It covers, among other things, an individual"s body, personal information, expressed thoughts and opinions, personal communications with others, and spaces they occupy. Participants share personal information with researchers on the basis that their privacy will be respected. Through the consent process, participants exercise control over how their personal information may be collected, used, and disclosed. The ethical duty of confidentiality refers to the obligation of an individual or organization to safeguard entrusted information (chapter 5, section a).