Which concept refers to protecting participants' identity by ensuring data cannot be linked back to them?

Which concept refers to protecting participants' identity by ensuring data cannot be linked back to them?

• A. Confidentiality
• B. Anonymity
• C. Privacy
• D. Consent

Answer: (B)

Anonymity means the data cannot be linked to any individual's identity; the link between responses and a person is removed or never created. This is achieved by not collecting identifying information, or by using non-identifying codes and keeping no key that could re-link data to identities. In practice, truly anonymous data leaves no route to identify participants, even for those handling the data. This differs from confidentiality, which protects information after collection and limits access to it while a link to identity could exist for authorized personnel. Privacy is about individuals' control over their personal information and what they choose to share, and consent is about giving permission to participate. Because anonymity ensures there is no way to connect data back to a person, it best fits the description in the question.

Anonymity means the data cannot be linked to any individual's identity; the link between responses and a person is removed or never created. This is achieved by not collecting identifying information, or by using non-identifying codes and keeping no key that could re-link data to identities. In practice, truly anonymous data leaves no route to identify participants, even for those handling the data. This differs from confidentiality, which protects information after collection and limits access to it while a link to identity could exist for authorized personnel. Privacy is about individuals' control over their personal information and what they choose to share, and consent is about giving permission to participate. Because anonymity ensures there is no way to connect data back to a person, it best fits the description in the question.