How are data made anonymous in research?

Data is made anonymous in research primarily by destroying all identifiers connected to the data. When identifiers—such as names, email addresses, or any other personal information—are removed completely from the dataset, it ensures that individual responses cannot be traced back to any specific person. This level of anonymity is critical for protecting participants' privacy and ensuring ethical standards in research, particularly in social and behavioral studies.

While other methods may contribute to data privacy (like coding or limiting access), the most definitive way to achieve anonymity is by obliterating any direct link to the individuals involved. If identifiers still exist in any form, there remains a risk of re-identification, which compromises the ethical integrity of the research. Thus, the practice of destroying identifiers safeguards the confidentiality of participants, making it a crucial aspect of ethical research design.