In order to engage BCSR’s services, the research agenda should focus on a matter of public policy that will have an impact on the life of the citizenry. BCSR will only employ research methods which, in our judgment, meet accepted standards of practice in the profession. Unless otherwise agreed on between the client and BCSR, the following conditions of engagement apply for contract work:
Confidentiality
All participants in the study will be assured that any responses or information they provide will be kept strictly confidential. Under no circumstances will any information that would allow respondents to be individually identified be made available to anyone other than authorized BCSR personnel without the express consent of the respondent.
Ownership of Data
All electronic and paper data files will remain the property of BCSR. Upon request, the client will be provided with a copy of the data file with participant identification-related information removed. If a client wishes to have copies of paper instruments, specific arrangements to do so may be made subject to the terms of confidentiality. Upon request, BCSR will return any documents, records, or other information provided by the client to conduct the study. BCSR will destroy all paper materials and study instruments one year after completion of the study.
Access to Data
The client may control access to any data collected by BCSR for a study for a period not to exceed one year from delivery of the final report. After that time, BCSR is free to use the data in its teaching, research, and public service programs.
Public Representations of Data
A client who publicly releases any findings from a survey must also be willing to release the complete data report if requested to do so. If, in the judgment of BCSR, the data collected in a study are publicly misrepresented by the client or anyone else, BCSR retains the right to issue a public corrective. Under no circumstances may any data from a BCSR study be used in paid advertising or as part of any paid promotion without written consent.
Principles of Disclosure
BCSR complies with the National Council on Public Polls Principles of Disclosure regarding release of study methodology details and data collection procedures.