Final Report: Ethical Issues

We devised a standard consent form to be used at face-to-face interviews which asks permission to store tapes and transcripts. Respondents can have their name used, remain anonymous, choose a pseudonym or have their words used on the website or in publications. A similar consent form has also been used for both the web and e-mail interviews. The addition of permission to hold and use the tape fits with the Oral History Society’s recommendations.

Most respondents wish their own names to be used on the interviews. In a few cases, people chose a pseudonym. We have placed restrictions on access to several transcripts, either because final consent has not yet been gained, or because sensitive material is included that needs to be embargoed for an agreed period of time.

Special ethical issues arose in the case of the NCDS interviews which have been anonymised in consultation with the CLS. These issues have been discussed more fully in Hamilton (2004a).