What aspect of the consent form was followed by the researcher?

The correct choice highlights the importance of retaining aggregated data without identifiers, which is a critical practice in research ethics and data management. This approach ensures that the privacy of research participants is maintained, as aggregated data combines individual responses into a dataset that cannot be traced back to specific individuals.

By utilizing aggregated data, the researcher can analyze trends and derive insights without compromising personal information. This practice aligns with ethical standards that prioritize participant confidentiality and data security. It allows researchers to fulfill their responsibilities while still benefiting from the collective data derived from a group of participants, thereby facilitating responsible and ethical research methodologies.