What can happen if a researcher fails to maintain confidentiality?

When a researcher fails to maintain confidentiality, participants may lose trust in the research process. This loss of trust can have several detrimental effects on the study. Participants who feel that their personal information is not secure may be less likely to share sensitive or honest information, which can ultimately compromise the integrity of the data collected. Additionally, if participants believe that their confidentiality is not safeguarded, they might withdraw from the study altogether or choose not to participate in future research efforts. This erosion of trust not only affects the current research project but can have broader implications for participant engagement in future studies, impacting the overall field of research.