Ethical aspects of dissemination and archiving qualitative data in Poland

Abstract

The aim of the article is a reflection on ethical dilemmas, methodological problems and technological threats as well as practical solutions for dissemination, archiving and sharing of empirical material collected by qualitative researchers, and then deposited in specially created archives. The issues concerning the protection of personal subjects in the terms of the right to authorize and secure data obtained at each stage of the research are discussed. The basis of these considerations is the authors’ own experience and the subject literature. These issues are related to the realities of social research in Poland, situating them in the broader context of the debate on the proposals and possibilities but also fears and doubts related to the archiving qualitative data.