Data Protection Guidelines for Social Researchers

The UK's Market Research Society (MRS) and the Social Research Association (SRA) have launched joint guidance to help social researchers navigate the complex requirements of the Data Protection Act of 1998.

The guidance, developed by a joint MRS/SRA working group, explains the implications of the Act for each stage of the social research process, using real-life scenarios for illustration.

It was written in consultation with the office of the Information Commissioner, the UK's data protection regulator. In a foreword to the guidelines, Information Commissioner Richard Thomas supports the development of practical legislative guidance by professional bodies.

Peter Mouncey, one of the authors and a member of the MRS Market Research Standards Board (MRSB), says the Act is a help not a hindrance to the profession: 'It focuses researchers on improving the overall standards of research, which is what the MRS and SRA set out to do.'

Rowland Lloyd, Chair of the MRSB, adds further support to the Act, stating that it 'strikes a good balance between preventing exploitation of personal data whilst respecting the value of such data'. He adds: 'Any legislation that gives people the confidence to continue contributing to research studies is vital'.

The guidelines can be downloaded from www.mrs.org.uk/standards/guidelines.htm or www.the-sra.org.uk.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.