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. 2020 Oct;52(5):1951-1969.
doi: 10.3758/s13428-020-01365-9.

Longform recordings of everyday life: Ethics for best practices

Margaret Cychosz  1 , Rachel Romeo  2 , Melanie Soderstrom  3 , Camila Scaff  4 , Hillary Ganek  5 , Alejandrina Cristia  6 , Marisa Casillas  7 , Kaya de Barbaro  8 , Janet Y Bang  9 , Adriana Weisleder  10
Affiliations

Longform recordings of everyday life: Ethics for best practices

Margaret Cychosz et al. Behav Res Methods. 2020 Oct.

Abstract

Recent advances in large-scale data storage and processing offer unprecedented opportunities for behavioral scientists to collect and analyze naturalistic data, including from underrepresented groups. Audio data, particularly real-world audio recordings, are of particular interest to behavioral scientists because they provide high-fidelity access to subtle aspects of daily life and social interactions. However, these methodological advances pose novel risks to research participants and communities. In this article, we outline the benefits and challenges associated with collecting, analyzing, and sharing multi-hour audio recording data. Guided by the principles of autonomy, privacy, beneficence, and justice, we propose a set of ethical guidelines for the use of longform audio recordings in behavioral research. This article is also accompanied by an Open Science Framework Ethics Repository that includes informed consent resources such as frequent participant concerns and sample consent forms.

Keywords: Confidentiality; Data management; Ethics; Longform recording; Naturalistic; Privacy.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Research pipeline from collecting longform audio recordings to extracting data that can be used to measure the construct(s) of interest. Decisions made at each point in this pipeline require consideration of the risks and benefits involved. Dashed lines indicate optional steps.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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