What is a common consequence of failing to maintain confidentiality in research?

Failing to maintain confidentiality in research can lead to legal repercussions for researchers, which is a significant consequence of such breaches. Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in research ethics designed to protect the privacy of participants. When confidentiality is compromised, it can violate legal guidelines and ethical standards, resulting in potential lawsuits, penalties, or disciplinary actions against the researchers involved.

In addition to legal repercussions, a breach of confidentiality can also harm the trust relationship between researchers and participants, discourage participation in the study, and lead to data that is less reliable due to participants' fears of privacy violations. These outcomes highlight the critical importance of upholding confidentiality protocols in research involving human subjects.