What is the difference between the terms “confidentiality” and “anonymity”?
Something that is truly anonymous has no known name or identity or known source. For research data to be considered anonymous, no identifiers of any kind (e.g., name, code number, etc.) are used that can link the data or information to the individual who provided it. In contrast, research data that do have identifiers present that link individual participants with their data or information need to have appropriate provisions made to protect confidentiality. In this situation the researcher has been entrusted with private information and the confidence of the participants and the researcher is responsible for addressing how sensitive information will be protected.
