Certification for IRB Professionals (CIP) Practice Exam

What is the best description of privacy related to subjects in research?

1. Subjects maintain the right to control their personal information.

2. Researchers must always disclose their identities to subjects.

3. Privacy only applies to the initial phase of the study.

4. Subjects have no rights to privacy when participating in research.

The correct answer is: Subjects maintain the right to control their personal information.

The best description of privacy related to subjects in research is that subjects maintain the right to control their personal information. This concept is fundamental in research ethics, as it acknowledges the autonomy of individuals to determine how their private information is collected, used, and shared. Respecting privacy is crucial for fostering trust between researchers and participants, ensuring that individuals feel safe and secure in providing sensitive personal data. In the context of research, protecting privacy means that researchers are responsible for implementing measures to safeguard participant information, such as anonymizing data, obtaining informed consent regarding the use of personal data, and ensuring that information is only accessible to authorized personnel. This right to control personal information is enshrined in ethical guidelines and regulations governing human subjects research, reflecting the broader societal values of individual privacy and respect for persons.