Anonymity vs. Confidentiality in UX Research
Anonymity severs the link between data and identity; confidentiality hides that link under lock and key. Use anonymity for sensitive surveys and confidentiality for follow-up studies. The footgun is claiming anonymity while keeping names or emails on file.
Anonymity destroys the map between a participant and their data, while confidentiality hides the map but keeps it sealed. In UX research, anonymity suits unmoderated tests or broad surveys with no follow-up. Confidentiality fits moderated sessions or longitudinal studies where you track individuals but hide identities from stakeholders. The footgun is promising anonymity while recording faces, saving emails, or logging IPs, any of which breaks true anonymity and invites ethics violations.
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- #data privacy
- #user research
- #anonymity
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