What is the primary purpose of a Certificate of Confidentiality?

The primary purpose of a Certificate of Confidentiality is to protect the privacy of research participants by ensuring that their identifiable private information cannot be disclosed to anyone without their consent, including law enforcement. This is especially important in sensitive research areas where participants may be at risk of criminal or civil liability if their information is revealed.

A Certificate of Confidentiality helps researchers maintain the confidentiality of sensitive data, allowing participants to be more forthcoming in their responses without fear of repercussion. This legal protection fosters an environment where both ethical standards and participants' rights are upheld, thereby enhancing the integrity of the research process.

While law enforcement may be involved in certain investigations, the key aspect of the Certificate is its protective purpose for participants, rather than directly facilitating law enforcement investigations. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the protective nature of this certificate in the context of maintaining participant privacy against potential disclosure.