Studies often collect very personal data from their participants. Data protection is therefore a sensitive issue. However, researchers could expand their analyses by linking the collected data with other sources (e.g. authorities, social networks). To do this, they need the consent of the respondents. Prof. Annette Jäckle from the University of Essex showed how this can be achieved at the first LIfBi Lecture of the summer semester.

“Understanding Society” is a longitudinal household survey in the UK in which participants provide information on their social and financial backgrounds, attitudes, lifestyle, health, family and career. This is done by means of face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews and online questionnaires. If the participants agree, their answers are linked to data from other sources. These include, for example, government agencies and authorities but also social networks.

The problem is that consent to data linkage is significantly lower in online surveys. Respondents also understand the background to this question less well. Researchers from the Universities of Essex (UK), Michigan (US) and Konstanz (DE) - including Annette Jäckle as Principal Investigator - tried to find out why this is the case and how the approval rate can be improved.

Basically, the researchers found that only a third of respondents make the decision with regard to the possible consequences of their own answer. The answers are based more on the participants' gut feeling, the trust they have in the study or their habits (“I always answer no to such questions”).

Annette Jäckle reported that participants who respond online are more concerned about data protection and data security. They also answer the questions on consent less thoroughly. Providing respondents with additional information does not necessarily help, Annette Jäckle concluded. It is better to integrate the information that is to be conveyed into the questions.

If the approval rate is to be increased, trust in the study and the organization with which the data is to be shared must be strengthened first and foremost. This can be achieved with little tricks, such as the use of data protection seals. Or by including a personal message and a photo of the study leader in the context of the question. What's more, it often helps to ask those who do not consent again in a later interview.

The subsequent discussion showed that the topic also concerns the scientists at LIfBi. They were able to exchange further ideas with Prof. Jäckle in conversations surrounding the LIfBi Lecture.