Test Your Knowledge: Ethical Procedures

Question 1

1. A researcher sends out a questionnaire over the Internet and tells people not to put identifying information on their responses.
   A (Anonymity),
   C (Confidentiality),
   D (Debriefing), or
   I (Informed Consent)

Answer 1

ANSWER: A (Anonymity)
The researcher would be unable to link a person’s data with identifying information, so responses would be anonymous.

Question 2

2. A researcher tells people that their participation in a study is purely voluntary and they can withdraw at any time.
   A (Anonymity),
   C (Confidentiality),
   D (Debriefing), or
   I (Informed Consent)

Answer 2

ANSWER: I (Informed Consent)
The researcher is informing people that they would have to give their consent to participate and that they have the right to determine whether ongoing participation is comfortable for them.

Question 3

3. A researcher tells people being interviewed in-depth about their ICU experiences that their responses will not be individually divulged and their identities will be masked.
   A (Anonymity),
   C (Confidentiality),
   D (Debriefing), or
   I (Informed Consent)

Answer 3

. ANSWER: C (Confidentiality)
Participants would not be anonymous because the researcher would know their identities during the interview, but confidentiality has been assured.

Question 4

4. A researcher meets with participants after data have been collected to tell them more about the study and to ask if they have questions or concerns.
   A (Anonymity),
   C (Confidentiality),
   D (Debriefing), or
   I (Informed Consent)

Answer 4

ANSWER: D (Debriefing)
The researcher is taking steps to communicate concern and respect by sharing information with participants and giving them an opportunity for further interaction in a debriefing session.

Question 5

5. Children whose siblings have died are interviewed about their experiences. After receiving information about the study, parents are asked to sign an authorization, and the children are asked about their willingness to participate.
   A (Anonymity),
   C (Confidentiality),
   D (Debriefing), or
   I (Informed Consent)

Answer 5

ANSWER: I (Informed Consent)
Because children are a vulnerable group, their parents were asked for their written consent to have the children participate, but the researchers showed respect for the children’s autonomy by asking them for verbal assent.