What does the incident involving the stolen laptop represent?

What does the incident involving the stolen laptop represent?

• A. A breach of consent
• B. A breach of research integrity
• C. A breach of confidentiality
• D. An ethical violation

Answer: (C)

The incident involving the stolen laptop represents a breach of confidentiality. In research involving human subjects, maintaining the confidentiality of participants' data is paramount. If sensitive information is stored on a laptop and the device is stolen, any identifiable information about the participants may be exposed, thus compromising the privacy and confidentiality assurances that were made to them. When researchers collect data, they often promise to keep it confidential, ensuring that personal details are not disclosed without consent. The theft of a laptop containing such information directly violates this principle, as it puts participants at risk of having their private data exposed to unauthorized individuals. This breach could lead to potential harm or distress for the participants, undermining the ethical obligations researchers have to protect their subjects' identities and information. While breaches of consent, integrity, or ethical violations could also be considered serious concerns, they are distinct from confidentiality. Consent focuses more on the participant's agreement to partake in the study, while integrity refers to the truthfulness and accuracy of the research itself. An ethical violation can encompass a broader range of issues, but in the context of a stolen laptop, the immediate and specific concern is the protection of confidential data.

The incident involving the stolen laptop represents a breach of confidentiality. In research involving human subjects, maintaining the confidentiality of participants' data is paramount. If sensitive information is stored on a laptop and the device is stolen, any identifiable information about the participants may be exposed, thus compromising the privacy and confidentiality assurances that were made to them.

When researchers collect data, they often promise to keep it confidential, ensuring that personal details are not disclosed without consent. The theft of a laptop containing such information directly violates this principle, as it puts participants at risk of having their private data exposed to unauthorized individuals. This breach could lead to potential harm or distress for the participants, undermining the ethical obligations researchers have to protect their subjects' identities and information.

While breaches of consent, integrity, or ethical violations could also be considered serious concerns, they are distinct from confidentiality. Consent focuses more on the participant's agreement to partake in the study, while integrity refers to the truthfulness and accuracy of the research itself. An ethical violation can encompass a broader range of issues, but in the context of a stolen laptop, the immediate and specific concern is the protection of confidential data.