Excluding and changing information

At times, it may be appropriate to exclude or omit information from the research record. For example, if the participant discloses information that is unrelated to the study, this information can be excluded. Another example is when a participant writes in a response on a multiple-choice survey that is not one of the multiple-choice options. This information may also be excluded from the final data set (Link to example of this). However, the decision to exclude or omit information should always be made with the full knowledge and understanding of the Principal Investigator and disclosed in any public presentation of the results of the study such as a presentation at a conference or a published paper.

Changing or altering information about a research participant or changing information that the research participant provides is never appropriate. Changing study information can seriously damage the credibility of the results.

Case example of appropriate and inappropriate exclusion of information

 

                               

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