What does the use of a numerical code on a questionnaire represent in terms of human rights protection?

The use of a numerical code on a questionnaire primarily represents anonymity. Anonymity ensures that the identities of the participants are not known to the researchers, which is essential for protecting the privacy of individuals engaged in research. By assigning a numerical code rather than collecting identifiable information, researchers can analyze data without linking responses to individual identities, thereby reducing the potential risks to participants.

Anonymity is a key principle in ethical research practices, as it fosters a safe environment for participants to share honest and candid responses without the fear of judgment or repercussions. It allows researchers to respect participants' rights by minimizing the potential for identification, thus upholding their dignity and privacy.

While confidentiality also plays an important role in protecting participants' information by ensuring that data is kept secure and private, it does not necessarily eliminate the possibility of identifying individuals if demographic or other identifiable data is collected. In contrast, the use of numerical codes directly promotes the aspect of anonymity, making it the most fitting representation in this context.