Question

When a focus group deals with a potentially sensitive topic, which of the following statements about providing confidentiality to focus group participants is correct?

-If group members know each other confidentiality is not an issue.

-Using pseudonyms in reports removes the concern about any confidences shared in the group.

-The researcher cannot control what participants repeat about others outside the group.

-If group participants sign confidentiality agreements, the researcher can guarantee confidentiality.

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer is: If group participants sign confidentiality agreements, the researcher can guarantee confidentiality.

Explanation:

Confidentiality is a very important issue regarding ethics in social research, the researcher must guarantee that the confidentiality of the participants will remain guarded. Although it is necessary that the researcher protects the identity of the participants, confidentiality goes beyond using pseudonyms, especially when other participants are involved, such as in focus groups. Therefore, group participants must sign confidentiality agreements, that way, the researcher can guarantee confidentiality.