CITI Social and Behavioral Research Practice Exam 2025 - Full Prep Resource

The scenario described involves making identifiable data about sensitive behaviors available to unauthorized individuals, which clearly constitutes both a breach of confidentiality and a violation of privacy. Confidentiality pertains to the agreement made between researchers and participants regarding how their data will be handled and protected. When identifiable information is disclosed to those who are not authorized to access it, this is a direct violation of that agreement.

Additionally, privacy is concerned with the right of individuals to control their personal information and how it is shared. By allowing unauthorized access to identifiable data about sensitive behaviors, an individual's privacy is infringed upon, as their personal and potentially harmful information becomes exposed to others without their consent. Thus, this choice captures the essence of both breaches: it dismantles the protective framework of confidentiality and disrespects the individual's privacy rights.

The other scenarios do not encompass this dual violation. For example, releasing de-identified data without consent does not breach confidentiality technically, as the data has been anonymized. Hiding participant identity in public presentations also maintains confidentiality, provided that no identifying information is revealed. Failing to store data securely pertains more to data management practices rather than directly violating confidentiality and privacy.