How do I de-identify my student data for research use?

De-identifying data requires the researcher to successfully clean the student record used of any information that is directly linked to the student as well as indirect data that could lead allow another individual to figure out the students identity.

The Department of Education has created an overview of the basic strategies that can be used singly or in combination as part of your strategy developed to de-identify student data.  We have provided a link to that document below:

Data De-identification: An Overview of Basic Terms

The IRB will not mandate how you accomplish data de-identification but you will be asked to describe your strategy in relationship to the data you are collecting.  Your description will need to be clear and complete.

A simple statement that you will de-identify the data will not be sufficient.

Last updated: 2/21/2023