Participants might choose to be anonymous when research data is shared and reported. In this case, you would use a pseudonym when you refer to participants or quote them. This is something you can ask participants about. When using pseudonyms, keep in mind that in research settings where people know each other, it can be possible to identify people through descriptions or quotes (e.g., style of speech, vocabulary). In some situations, naming a person's role or geographic location can identify them despite the use of a pseudonym.
Sometimes, participants prefer to have their own first or full names included, in order to be present and heard. In a study of learners' perspectives on progress, the researchers reported:
The decision to include learners' names as an option was based on a number of discussions.... PPR [Parkdale Project Read] believes in the importance of honouring people's wisdom by including their names if they choose, rather than assuming that the most respectful approach is always hiding people's identity, as is more usual in academic research. Others from our research team weren't as comfortable with the idea of using learners' real names. Some were concerned about the vulnerability of learners that put their trust in us as staff and researchers. We were all aware of the power relationship that is present when we ask learners to take part in focus groups or in sharing personal information with us. In the end we decided to leave the decision to each learner. (Lefebvre et al., 2006, p. 45)
Informed choice and consent has to do with ensuring that participants have been thoroughly informed about the research, including how it will be conducted and used, and that they have consented to participate. Informed consent and signing a consent form may seem like one and the same. However, it's helpful to separate the ideas:
Typically, information about the research is written out and participants are asked to sign to indicate their consent. Some researchers suggest that consent forms have more to do with protecting institutions and researchers than with protecting participants. We can also think about consent forms as a tool for informing participants and negotiating their involvement. Sample consent forms are included at the end of this chapter.