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EQUATOR 'pick'
This page provides interesting and thought-provoking quotes, observations and suggestions relating to research reporting and relevant broader issues.
International Council for Science.Freedom, Responsibility and Universality of Science. 2008:
Responsibilities of scientists, p.10
On the conduct of science
The starting point for considering the conduct of science is that all work should be of the highest quality and, in so far as is possible, reported in a way that makes it reproducible and/or verifiable. Poor quality science—no matter how important the field—should not be tolerated and all efforts should be made to ensure the robustness of any information or data that are produced. In the 1940s the American sociologist Robert Merton formulated four principles, which he believed constituted a ‘moral consensus’ in science. The, so called, CUDOS norms (Communalism, Universalism, Disinterestedness and Organized Scepticism ) may no longer be sufficient to fully accommodate the changes that have taken place in science and society since that time. Nevertheless, they remain an important foundation
on which to build. …
… All scientists have a responsibility to ensure that they conduct their work with honesty and integrity; to ensure that methods and results are reported in an accurate, orderly, timely and open fashion. …
Suggested roles for key institutions in dealing with issues relating to scientific freedoms and responsibilities, p.19
Research providers and funders
Promote and support high-quality science, with no discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin, religion, citizenship, language, political stance, gender, sex or age.
Develop good research practice and ethics guidelines to be followed as a condition of funding. Monitor the implementation of these guidelines and, where appropriate, develop mechanisms for dealing with individual cases.
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Roger J. Vallance. Research ethics: Reforming postgraduate formation. Issues In Educational Research, Vol 15, 2005:
'Research quality always rests on the researcher - oversight boards and even research supervisors can only be aware of a small part of the interactions that comprise research between and among human subjects. Good research is more likely to be done by well informed and well intentioned researchers, and research training needs to address both the technical side of research preparation and the human, ethical side of research formation.'
'Research ethics must inform the whole of the research process from shaping a research question to the publication of findings.'
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Page last edited: 23 April 2009
