In my research, i have to use some companies confidential data for which companies are not permitting to use their names. How can i incorporate such data in my thesis and how to prove that such data is genuinely collected and is not manipulated one?
It is important to maintain confidentiality and integrity of the data used in a research study to ensure that the results are trustworthy and reliable. In order to prove that the data used in a thesis is genuine and not manipulated, researchers can take the following steps:
Obtain proper permissions: To use confidential data, researchers must first obtain permission from the company or organization that owns the data. This permission may include restrictions on how the data can be used, who can access it, and how it can be presented in the final research report.
Maintain accurate records: Researchers should keep detailed records of the data sources used in the study, including the dates and times the data was collected, methods of collection, and any modifications made to the data. This can help to show that the data was collected in a transparent and systematic manner.
Use trusted data analysis methods: Researchers should use statistically valid methods to analyze the data, ensuring that the results are accurate and not biased. This can include peer review, independent verification, or other methods of quality control.
Provide clear explanations: Researchers should provide clear and concise explanations of how the data was collected, analyzed, and reported. This can include detailed descriptions of the research methodology, data collection instruments, and statistical techniques used in the study.
Use ethical standards for research: All research must be conducted ethically using valid and reliable methods that have been approved by an institutional review board or other ethical review panel. Adhering to ethical standards will ensure the integrity and validity of the data used in the study.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to collect, analyze, and report data in a transparent and ethical manner. By following these steps, researchers can demonstrate that the data used in their thesis is genuine and not manipulated.
In qualitative research in general and case study research in particular, it is quite common to use pseudonyms for the organizations that you studied. In addition to simply changing the names, you should be careful not to include any information that would allow a reader to identify the organization(s) you studied.
In other words, not naming your research sites is standard operating procedures, so there is no need to offer either justifications for doing so or evidence that you have not fabricated the data.