What should researchers do to protect the confidentiality of study participants?

To protect the confidentiality of study participants, researchers should collect minimal personal information. This approach limits the amount of potentially sensitive data that can be associated with an individual's identity, thereby reducing the risk of accidental disclosure or misuse of that information. By minimizing personal details, researchers can help ensure that even if the data were to be accessed by unauthorized individuals, it would not easily lead to the identification of participants.

This strategy is particularly important in research settings where sensitive information is involved, as it aligns with ethical guidelines that prioritize participant confidentiality and privacy. It fosters trust between researchers and participants, encouraging openness and willingness to provide information without fear of repercussions.

The other choices fundamentally contradict the principles of protecting confidentiality. For example, sharing all data publicly or using identifiable information in reports would inherently compromise confidentiality and privacy. Obtaining consent to disclose identities may not sufficiently mitigate risks if participants are not fully aware of the implications of their identification. Therefore, collecting minimal personal information stands as the best practice for protecting participant confidentiality in research.