What does a breach of confidentiality in research entail?

A breach of confidentiality in research primarily consists of disclosing identifying information about participants without their consent. This involves revealing sensitive personal data that could link back to the individual, undermining the trust placed in researchers by participants. Ethical research practices require that participants' information be kept private and shared only with explicit permission, thereby protecting their rights and ensuring their privacy.

Using code names for participants in publications, while a common practice to maintain anonymity, does not constitute a breach, as it helps protect identities rather than reveal them. Similarly, keeping participant data in a locked cabinet is a protective measure that reinforces confidentiality, and involving participants in decision-making is a form of ethical engagement that respects participant autonomy, neither of which relates to the concept of breaching confidentiality. Thus, the essence of the correct choice lies in the serious implications of unauthorized disclosures of personal information.