Why is it important that personal data about research participants be kept within secure, confidential records?

ATo observe the principle of research ethics ✓ Correct

BTo sell the data later to recover the cost of research

CTo keep secrecy from other researchers for its own sake

DTo make the study look more impressive

Correct answer: (A) To observe the principle of research ethics

Explanation

Personal data are kept in secure, confidential records to observe the principle of research ethics.

Selling the data later to recover costs would itself be a serious ethical violation.

Keeping secrecy from other researchers for its own sake is not the purpose of confidentiality.

Making the study look more impressive has nothing to do with data protection.

Secure storage upholds the participant's trust and right to privacy.

It also guards against identity disclosure and consequent harm.

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