What can students do at the end of their research session to make sure their activities are private?

Clearing browsing history at the end of a research session is an effective way for students to enhance their privacy. This action removes the record of websites visited during the session, which can prevent others who use the same device from seeing their research activities. It’s particularly important in shared or public computers where multiple users have access. By deleting browsing history, students can help ensure that sensitive queries or discussions remain confidential.

In a broader context, while other options might contribute to maintaining privacy, clearing browsing history specifically targets the retention of the user's online activities. Logging out of accounts can protect against unauthorized access, turning off the computer helps safeguard against immediate physical access, and using incognito mode allows for private browsing sessions, but those actions do not eliminate previous records in the same way that clearing browsing history does. Thus, clearing browsing history stands out as the most direct method to secure privacy after a research session.