A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which ethical consideration involves ensuring participants' confidentiality?

1. Informed consent

2. Protection of participants

3. Debriefing

4. Potential for harm

The correct answer is: Protection of participants

The ethical consideration that involves ensuring participants' confidentiality is centered around the protection of participants. This principle emphasizes the importance of safeguarding personal information gathered during research. By ensuring confidentiality, researchers create an environment of trust and respect, allowing participants to engage fully without fear of their private data being exposed. This protection extends to how data is stored, who has access to it, and how it is reported in findings. Informed consent pertains to participants understanding the nature of the research and agreeing to take part, rather than specifically addressing confidentiality. Debriefing involves informing participants about the study's purpose and findings after it has concluded, which also does not primarily focus on confidentiality. The potential for harm refers to the risks participants might face during a study, which also does not directly address how personal data should be handled regarding confidentiality. Thus, protection of participants encompasses not only their physical and psychological well-being but also their privacy, making it the correct choice regarding the issue of confidentiality.