In community participatory research, is it OK to take photos of participants? Ordinarily we guarantee research participants anonymity as an ethical principle. But does that just mean we don't put names to quotes or data points? Or does it also mean we don't even reveal who participated?
Hi Melanie,
Common courtesy dictates that you ask someone if it is OK before you take their picture. I can see no reason that the standard for taking the pictures of those who are your research subjects would be less. On the contrary, giving consideration to IRB standards, you should strive to receive informed consent from human research subjects (and of course this involves letting them know how you will use the pictures, to make sure that this use also meets with their approval).
Just so you are aware of how easily people can take offense to the slightest invasion of privacy, there was public outrage here in New Jersey when pictures were taken of houses that suffered damage during Hurricane Sandy and posted on the internet without the photographer first obtaining the permission of the owners of the houses.
Gwen
Melanie, yes you must have a photo release as well as a study participation release for each participant. This refers to images/data released publicly but to be safe I would obtain releases for all participants whether their image/data is used or not in the public release of the study. You definitely don't want to reveal who participated without permission. PS. You can write the releases yourself--"I, printed name/signature grant _______ permission to use my likeness/data in any public release of the information obtained in this study."
Regards,
John
Forgot to mention--publishers (journals and books) won't publish your study without the proper releases (more a requirement than a courtesy, you and the publisher can be sued without them).
Dear Melanie, Dear All,
This question is a valuable one. In some researches or case studies, the display of photos will enrich the published paper & the colorful presentation attracts more to read it. I think it will be ethical if the participants agree to that & one can add a statement below the photo about their agreement.
I may add a suggestion: I think that it is time for journals to allow presentation of photos of an author or co-authors of research papers. This will have far-reaching advantages such as knowing the faces of who you will meet in e.g. future conferences.
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