When a focus group deals with a potentially sensitive topic, which statement about providing confidentiality to participants is correct?

When a focus group addresses sensitive topics, it is important to recognize that while researchers can take steps to protect participants' confidentiality, they cannot ensure that participants will keep information confidential once they leave the group. This statement highlights a crucial aspect of conducting qualitative research, especially when discussing personal or sensitive information.

Participants may feel compelled to share their thoughts or experiences from the focus group with others outside the setting, and this behavior cannot be controlled by the researcher. Therefore, it is critical for researchers to inform participants about this limitation and encourage them to respect each other's privacy. By emphasizing this aspect of confidentiality, researchers can foster an environment of trust while preparing participants for the realities of group discussions.

The other options present misunderstandings about confidentiality agreements or the nature of group discussions. Guaranteeing complete confidentiality is not possible due to the dynamics between participants. Stating that there is no need for confidentiality undermines the ethical considerations that must be upheld when dealing with sensitive topics. Lastly, while non-disclosure agreements can enhance confidentiality, they are not a universal requirement for all focus group discussions, making their necessity situational rather than absolute.