How do you keep research sources and subjects' information private?

1 Choose reliable sources

The first step to protecting your research sources and subjects' information is to choose them carefully. You want to use sources that are trustworthy, relevant, and authoritative, and that provide accurate and verifiable data. You also want to avoid sources that are biased, outdated, or misleading, or that have conflicts of interest or ulterior motives. To evaluate your sources, you can use criteria such as currency, credibility, coverage, and purpose, and check their references, citations, and credentials.

2 Obtain consent and permission

The second step to keeping your research sources and subjects' information private is to obtain their consent and permission before you use or cite their information. You want to inform them of the purpose, scope, and methods of your research, and how you will use, store, and dispose of their information. You also want to respect their rights, preferences, and expectations, and give them the option to withdraw, opt out, or request anonymity at any time. To document your consent and permission, you can use forms, agreements, or contracts, and follow the ethical guidelines and legal regulations of your field and jurisdiction.

3 Anonymize and aggregate data

The third step to keeping your research sources and subjects' information private is to anonymize and aggregate their data whenever possible. You want to remove or mask any identifying or sensitive information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or personal details, that could link the data to a specific individual or group. You also want to aggregate or group the data into categories, averages, or ranges, that could reduce the risk of identification or disclosure. To anonymize and aggregate your data, you can use tools, techniques, or algorithms, such as pseudonyms, encryption, hashing, or k-anonymity.

4 Secure and backup data

The fourth step to keeping your research sources and subjects' information private is to secure and backup their data throughout the research process. You want to protect their data from unauthorized access, modification, loss, or theft, by using passwords, encryption, firewalls, or antivirus software. You also want to backup their data regularly, by using cloud storage, external drives, or online platforms, and have a contingency plan in case of emergencies or disasters. To secure and backup your data, you can use policies, protocols, or procedures, such as data security plans, access control lists, or data breach notifications.

5 Cite and reference data

The fifth step to keeping your research sources and subjects' information private is to cite and reference their data properly when you present or publish your research. You want to acknowledge their contributions, respect their intellectual property rights, and avoid plagiarism or copyright infringement, by using quotation marks, paraphrasing, or summarizing. You also want to follow the citation and referencing styles, formats, and conventions, of your field, discipline, or publication, and provide enough information for your readers to locate and verify your sources. To cite and reference your data, you can use tools, guides, or resources, such as citation generators, style manuals, or databases.

6 Dispose and delete data

The sixth and final step to keeping your research sources and subjects' information private is to dispose and delete their data when you no longer need them or when they request it. You want to delete their data from your devices, systems, or platforms, and ensure that they are not recoverable or retrievable, by using permanent deletion, erasure, or shredding. You also want to dispose of their data from your physical files, records, or documents, and ensure that they are not accessible or readable, by using recycling, incineration, or pulping. To dispose and delete your data, you can use standards, practices, or regulations, such as data retention policies, data destruction methods, or data protection laws.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?