What must psychologists clarify in advance regarding research data?

Psychologists must clarify expectations for sharing and using data in advance as a crucial part of research ethics and integrity. This involves delineating how data will be shared among collaborators or disseminated publicly, what permissions or consents are necessary, and any limitations regarding the use of the data by third parties. Clear communication about data sharing expectations helps to maintain transparency in research practices and mitigates misunderstandings that could arise later in the research process. Establishing these parameters in advance is essential for fostering trust among participants, collaborators, and the broader research community.

In contrast, while financial compensation matters, personal bias statements, and confidentiality agreements are important components of ethical research conduct, they do not specifically focus on the handling of data sharing and usage—which is the core issue addressed by the correct choice. Each of these aspects plays a role in the overall research process, but the expectation for data sharing and usage directly impacts how the research data will be managed and what participants can expect regarding their contributions to the research.