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How should informants be coded to protect their confidentiality in an action research project?

Informants should be coded using made-up names, numbers, letters, or a combination of numbers and letters. This code should be used in all documentation and interviews to protect their identity.

To protect the confidentiality of informants in an action research project, researchers should assign each informant a unique code. This can be a made-up name, a number, a letter, or a combination of numbers and letters. The code should be recorded next to the informant's actual name on a master list, which is then securely stored. From that point on, the code should be used to identify the informant in all research documentation and discussions. This practice ensures that the informant's identity remains confidential throughout the research process.

Key points

  • Assign informants a unique code (made-up name, number, letter, or combination).
  • Record the code next to the informant's actual name on a master list.
  • Use the code in all documentation and discussions to protect identity.
  • Securely store the master list to maintain confidentiality.
Source:Action research for women's groups.· COMMUNICATING THE FINDINGS OF AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT· p. 78–84

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Action research for women's groups.

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