Final answer:
Janelle is following the IRB's rules about maintaining the participants' confidentiality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this scenario, Janelle is following the IRB's rules about maintaining the participants' confidentiality. By assuring participants that all interview records are locked in a secure location that only she and her research assistant can access, Janelle is taking steps to protect the privacy and identity of the participants. Confidentiality is an important principle in research ethics, ensuring that participants' personal information is kept secure and cannot be accessed by unauthorized individuals.