What must researchers do if they plan to publish their findings?

When researchers plan to publish their findings, one of their most crucial responsibilities is to ensure the protection of participants' identities. This is vital for maintaining ethical standards and respecting the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals involved in the research. Researchers have an ethical obligation to safeguard personal information, particularly when dealing with sensitive data that could potentially lead to the identification of individuals.

Protecting participants' identities not only aligns with ethical guidelines for research but also with regulatory frameworks, such as the Common Rule and HIPAA, which govern the handling of human subjects' data. By anonymizing or de-identifying participants' information in publications, researchers can prevent potential harm, discrimination, or stigmatization that might arise from the disclosure of personal data.

In contrast, the inclusion of all raw data in a publication could expose sensitive information, violating the principles of confidentiality. Similarly, publishing without consent or sharing data openly on social media contradicts ethical practices that prioritize the rights and safety of participants. Thus, ensuring the protection of participants' identities is fundamental to responsible research conduct and maintaining public trust in the research process.