In the context of online studies, what is a recommended practice to protect participant data?

Ensuring that data is stored in encrypted databases is a recommended practice for protecting participant data in online studies. Encryption is a crucial security measure that transforms data into a coded format, making it unreadable to unauthorized individuals. By employing encryption, researchers can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, which is particularly important given the sensitive nature of data that can be collected in social and behavioral research.

Data encryption serves as a safeguard, especially in contexts where data may be transmitted over the internet or stored in cloud services. Even in the event of a data breach, encrypted information remains protected, presenting formidable barriers to attackers. This practice not only enhances participant confidentiality but also helps ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards regarding data protection, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The other options do not provide the same level of data protection. Tracking participant IP addresses could potentially compromise confidentiality and privacy. Limiting the number of survey questions may improve participant experience or response quality but does not inherently protect data. Providing immediate feedback can enhance participant engagement but does not address data security concerns. Thus, storing data in encrypted databases stands out as a fundamental practice for safeguarding participant information in online studies.