Q. I am writing a qualitative thesis in which I quote several primary-source published documents that, if cited under the actual names of the authors, would destroy subject anonymity. How do I create a reference list citation for a document I quote or cite and protect the research subject’s rights to anonymity?
A. You can either use pseudonyms or use “Anonymous” in place of the person’s name. Perhaps in your research you can find other reference lists that show solutions to this problem. It’s usual for a university to have strict guidelines for protecting the subjects of research, so you might also consult your school’s dissertation secretary or your thesis advisor.