There is increasing conflict between the individual's right to privacy and the need for information about individuals by private and governmental institutions; these opposing forces need to be balanced. Two phenomena which have exacerbated this problem are the rapid advances in computer technology and the increasing demands of the individual on government and business. The United States Privacy Protection Commission made 162 recommendations to resolve this problem. Six guidelines applied specifically to educational researchers: (1) information gathered for research should not be used to influence decisions directly affecting an individual unless that person agrees; (2) disclosure of individually identifiable records may only be made under certain conditions; (3) no one should be forced to disclose personal information unless required by law; (4) a review process should be instituted to protect the individual's right to confidentiality against abuse; (5) if guidelines are followed, individuals should have access to their identifiable records when that information is used for purposes other than research; and (6) if information is disclosed without the assurance that it will not be used directly against the individual, the person should be notified and have access to the records. (MH)