What is meant by "anonymity" in research?

Anonymity in research refers specifically to the practice of ensuring that participants' identifying information is not linked to their data. This means that even the researchers conducting the study cannot connect any responses or data back to individual participants. This practice is crucial for protecting the privacy of participants and encouraging honest and open responses, as individuals may feel more comfortable sharing sensitive information if they know that their identities will remain undisclosed.

By maintaining anonymity, researchers can uphold ethical standards, ensuring that participants' rights and confidentiality are respected throughout the research process. This approach helps build trust with participants, which can enhance the quality of the data collected, ultimately leading to more accurate and reliable research findings.