The main purpose of keeping personal data confidential in research studies is

ATo hide from participants what has been written about them

BApprehension of harm from the identification or disclosure of personal information ✓ Correct

CTo allow easy access by government authorities

DTo learn more about the private lives of participants

Correct answer: (B) Apprehension of harm from the identification or disclosure of personal information

Explanation

Confidentiality is kept mainly from fear of harm through identification or disclosure of personal information.

It is not meant to hide from participants what has been written about them.

Allowing easy access by government authorities would defeat the very purpose of confidentiality.

Learning more about participants' private lives is intrusion, not the aim of confidentiality.

Confidentiality protects participants from social, legal, or psychological harm.

It is closely linked with anonymity and secure storage of records.

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