What does privacy in research generally refer to?

Privacy in research primarily refers to the right of individuals to control information about themselves. This aspect encompasses the protection of personal data and the assurance that participation in research does not lead to unauthorized disclosure of personal information. Privacy is fundamental in research ethics as it helps maintain participants' trust and encourages their willingness to participate.

Maintaining privacy involves ensuring that data collected during research is kept confidential, used only for the intended purposes, and disclosed only with the participants' consent or in a manner that does not identify them personally. The emphasis on this right aligns with ethical obligations to respect individual autonomy and protect personal dignity in research settings.