Final answer:
The statement that researchers must keep all information about participating individuals confidential is true as it is essential to protect participant privacy and uphold ethical standards in research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers must keep all information about participating individuals confidential to protect their privacy, and this statement is true. Protecting participant privacy is not only an ethical responsibility but also a legal one in many cases. Confidentiality agreements, informed consent procedures, and safeguarding collected data are part of the protocols that researchers must adhere to. Informed consent is particularly vital because it informs participants about the study's aims, procedures, potential risks, and benefits, ensuring that their participation is truly voluntary.
Failure to maintain confidentiality and informed consent can compromise the trust between researchers and participants, potentially putting participants at risk. For example, a blood sample taken for a cholesterol test is expected to be disposed of after testing; however, if a researcher intends to use it for a study, explicit consent must be obtained. Additionally, study participants should be made aware if their information will be archived for future use or if they have the right to review and edit research reports mentioning them.
Lastly, using deception in a study must be carefully justified and followed up by a debriefing session to explain the true nature of the research to the participants, maintaining the ethical integrity of the research process.