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Internal Confidentiality: When Confidentiality Assurances Fail Relational Informants

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Abstract

This research note explores a limit in the principle of confidentiality, demonstrating how informants' connected relationships can lead to impaired or diminished autonomy. Insiders may recognize what other insiders have said to a researcher in a private interview. Internal confidentiality is distinct from external confidentiality, which assures protection against identification by those who were not subjects of the research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand

    Martin Tolich

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  1. Martin Tolich
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Correspondence to Martin Tolich.

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Tolich, M. Internal Confidentiality: When Confidentiality Assurances Fail Relational Informants. Qualitative Sociology 27, 101–106 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:QUAS.0000015546.20441.4a

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:QUAS.0000015546.20441.4a

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