Search

This article focuses on the use of tape recording in fieldwork. The ethical question of confidentiality seems to be one of the primary concerns of social workers when one discusses the use of tape recording. Many caseworkers that have not had experience with this type of recording respond to the idea with great concern for the client, especially in regard to confidentiality. It can be pointed out that confidentiality depends upon the behavior of the worker and not on methods of recording. It is maintained through the worker's ethical conduct with the client in the interview, including permitting the client to choose whether he wants to speak in front of a microphone. It is further maintained by the worker's and the agency's responsible use of the material revealed by the client, whether this material is recorded on paper or on tape. Another concern is the client's reaction to the use of the recording instrument. Technically, this is not a question of confidentiality if the client has the choice of using it or not using it, and if he does not feel that his permitting the interview to be recorded is a condition for receiving help.