Typical complaints: Confidentiality in qualitative interviewsThe problemIssues can arise where interviews are conducted in a discussion or group format, as is common in qualitative research. Identities of respondents may be revealed to other respondents and observers. Respondents may feel inhibited or object to the presence of observers. Additionally, confidentiality of comments made by respondents may be breached where recordings or transcripts are made of the interview. How it can be avoidedRespondents should be informed at the time of recruitment all relevant information including who will be present at the group and in what capacity, as well as what form of recording of the interview will take place. Observers should be fully introduced at the start of the interview and respondents should have the opportunity to withdraw. Tapes and transcripts of the groups or depth interviews should be anonymised to remove any distinctive features that would allow attribution of respondents’ comments, unless they have so consented. Applicable RulesB34 At the time of recruitment (or before the research takes place if details change after recruitment), members must ensure that respondents are told all relevant information as per rule B21and:
B35 Members must ensure that completed recruitment questionnaires, incentive and attendance lists, or any other research information which identifies respondents are not passed to Clients without the explicit permission of the respondents; and members must take reasonable steps to ensure that the documents are used only for the purpose agreed at the time of data collection. B36 If members have agreed with clients that observers are to be present, members must inform all observers fully about their legal and ethical responsibilities. B37 Members must make clear to respondents the capacity in which observers are present; clients must be presented as such, even if they are also researchers and/or members of MRS. B38 There are some situations where observers could adversely affect respondent s’ interests and/or wellbeing, and in such instances, members must ensure that respondents are told at an appropriate stage the identity of any observer who might be present at the discussion or interview. B39 Members must ensure that, in instances where observers may know respondents (as may occur in business-to-business research), respondents are informed before the start that their interviews are to be observed, with a warning that the observer may include clients who already know them. B40 The issue of anonymity and recognition is a particular problem in business and employee research. If guarantees cannot be given then Members must ensure that observers are fully introduced before the group/interview begins and respondents given a chance to withdraw. B41 Members must ensure that respondents on attendance at a venue are informed about the nature of any observation, monitoring or recording and respondents are given the option of withdrawing from the group/interview. B42 Members must ensure that any material handed to clients or included in reports, without consent from respondents, is anonymised eg transcripts containing verbatim comments and projective material. |
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