Certification for IRB Professionals (CIP) Practice Exam

In a longitudinal study that will collect information about illegal activities, which confidentiality procedure protects against compelled disclosure of identifiable information?

1. Obtaining informed consent from all subjects.

2. Implementing strict access controls to the data.

3. Securing a Certificate of Confidentiality.

4. Conducting anonymous surveys only.

The correct answer is: Securing a Certificate of Confidentiality.

Securing a Certificate of Confidentiality is a robust method that protects researchers from having to disclose identifiable information about participants, even if compelled by legal authorities. This certificate allows researchers to refuse to release any information that could identify a participant, thus maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive data, especially in studies involving illegal activities. In the context of a longitudinal study collecting information about illegal activities, having this certificate is crucial because it offers a legal safeguard against subpoenas and other forms of compelled disclosure. This means that even if there is pressure from outside entities, the researcher is legally protected from revealing the identities of individuals involved in the study. While obtaining informed consent and implementing strict access controls are important practices in research, they do not provide the same level of protection against legal obligations as a Certificate of Confidentiality. Informed consent is essential for ethical reasons and ensuring participants understand the study's risks, but it does not shield the data from legal scrutiny. Similarly, access controls are vital for data security but rely on organizational practices rather than legal protections to prevent disclosure. Conducting anonymous surveys can help elude identification risks, but this approach has limitations, particularly in longitudinal studies where follow-up and direct contact may be necessary.