The Use of Automated Digital Data in Speech, Language, and Hearing Research: Confronting a New Ethical Landscape

Abstract

Purpose: The use of automated, digital data collection, such as daylong audio recordings of children’s language environments, is yielding important insights for both researchers and practitioners in the field of communication disorders. However, ethical issues involved in the use of digital tools for research pur-poses have yet to be thoroughly explored. Method: In this commentary, we draw on our experience with automated data collection in inclusive auditory oral preschool classrooms, as well as interviews with parents, teachers, speech-language pathologists, researchers, and other community members, to identify key areas of ethical concern and draw out implications for future research. Conclusion: We discuss specific issues and recommendations related to three emerging areas of concern: data storage and data sharing, the return of results to research participants, and the communication of incidental findings.