4 Ethical Responsibilities in Evidence Work Free Online FlashCards

How should you separate evidence from interpretation?

Separate what a source directly shows from what you infer, and make the distinction clear.

What is preservation bias?

Preservation bias occurs when records are unevenly created, collected, or preserved, leaving some people or perspectives less documented.

What makes an evidence description responsible?

Use accurate, specific descriptions and enough context to help users understand records and interpret them responsibly.

What should guide decisions about access to evidence?

Make access as open and equitable as possible while taking privacy, confidentiality, legal duties, and cultural sensitivities seriously.

Why document interventions made to evidence?

Document interventions such as cleaning, repair, digital migration, redaction, or metadata changes so users can assess how evidence was affected.

What does meaningful collaboration with affected communities involve?

Consult affected communities when decisions may affect their rights, privacy, cultural practices, or representation; listen, explain intended uses, and negotiate access where appropriate.

What can a photograph of an event not establish about absent people?

A photograph may show who was present at a recorded event, but it cannot establish what absent people thought or why they were missing.

Does an incomplete archive prove that an undocumented perspective did not exist?

An incomplete surviving record does not prove that an event or perspective never existed; describe important gaps rather than treating the record as complete.

How should independent sources be used when they disagree?

Comparing independent sources can strengthen an interpretation, but disagreements and unresolved questions should remain visible.

How should descriptions handle demeaning or outdated labels?

Do not present demeaning or outdated labels as neutral. Explain relevant limitations, identify terminology from original sources, and use community-preferred terms.

What makes an access restriction responsible?

A restriction should have a clear reason, be applied consistently, and be reviewed when appropriate.

Why might technically accessible information still be harmful to disclose?

Technical accessibility does not always make disclosure appropriate; private details or culturally restricted knowledge may cause harm if shared.