When a focus group deals with a potentially sensitive topic, which of the following statements about providing confidentiality to focus group participants is correct?
the researcher cannot control what participants repeat about others outside the group.
using pseudonyms in reports removes the concern about any confidences shared in the group.
if group members know each other confidentiality is not an issue.
if group participants sign confidentiality agreements, the researcher can guarantee confidentiality

The correct answer is A. The researcher cannot control what participants repeat about others outside the group.

Explanation:

In research, confidentiality refers to the protection to the participants and the information provided by them especially as the information should not be used with different purposes than those of the study. On the other hand, a focus group is a type of technique used in research in which the researcher gathers participants (around 6 to 12) to discuss a topic or situation and this way knew the opinion and position of them.

However, this technique is criticized because in terms of confidentiality the researches can use pseudonyms in reports and sign confidentiality agreement in which the researcher  guarantees participants he or she would not reveal information and provide their names; however, none of these techniques guarantees confidentiality as the researcher cannot control if participants tell what others reveal about others especially in sensitive topics. Therefore, the statement about confidentiality in focus groups is that the researcher cannot control what participants repeat about others outside the group and therefore, despite the use of different techniques complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

manifest functions are the recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern, while latent functions are those unrecognized and unintended consequences. to analyze the manifest functions of any social institution, we have to study its contribution to the continuation of a group, community, or society.

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