Data ethics

Informed consent

Every participant is told who we are, why we are asking, how their answers will be used, and that they can decline or stop at any time without consequence. Consent scripts are agreed with clients and translated into local languages.

Dignity and do no harm

Questions are short, relevant and respectful. We avoid asking for information we will not use, and take particular care with sensitive topics such as health, income and identity.

Independence

Our fees never depend on findings. Results are reported as they are, including unwelcome ones, together with the methods and limitations behind them.

Data ownership and access

Before data collection begins, we agree in writing who owns the data, who can access it, how it is stored, and when it is deleted. Our own use is limited to the engagement.

Privacy and security

Personal identifiers are separated from responses wherever possible. Data is stored on secure, access-controlled systems. Public reports never identify individual participants.

Responsible use of AI

AI tools assist with tasks such as coding open-ended responses. People design the work, review outputs and make every judgement. Participant data is not used to train third-party AI models.

Transparency

Each report sets out its sample, methods, assumptions and limitations, so readers can judge how much weight each finding can bear.

Last updated: [date]. Questions: info@pathmarg.com