Scientific Conduct (Part-1)on research.pptx
- 1. SCIENTIFIC CONDUCT Presented Priyanka Thakur (PhD CSE) Ethics with respect to science and research Intellectual honesty and Research integrity
- 2. ETHICS WITH RESPECT TO SCIENCE AND RESEARCH As per the Cambridge University Dictionary of English, the word Ethics implies, a system of accepted beliefs that control behavior, especially a system that is based on morals. Ethics are norms of conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. Ethical conduct is a simple common sense that helps one to preserve the integrity of the individual, society and environment based on shared values. What is ethics?
- 3. Research ethics Research ethics involves the application of fundamental ethical principles to a variety of topics involving scientific research. Research code of ethics educates and monitors a scientist conducting a research to ensure a high ethical standards. Research ethics are the set of ethics that govern how scientific and other research is performed at research institutions such as universities, and how it is disseminated.
- 4. Importance of Research Ethics Research ethics are important for a number of reasons: They mean that researchers can be held accountable for their actions. They support important social and moral values, such as the principle of doing no harm to others. They support the values required for collaborative work, such as mutual respect and fairness. This is essential because scientific research depends on collaboration between researchers and groups. They promote the aims of research, such as expanding knowledge.
- 5. Ethical considerations in science and research Ethics in science and research are foundational principles that guide the conduct of scientists, researchers, and other stakeholders involved in the scientific process. Here are some key ethical considerations in science and research:- Honesty, Integrity and Objectivity: Scientists are expected to conduct research with honesty, integrity, and objectivity. This includes accurately reporting research methods, data, and results, as well as avoiding biases and conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of the research Respect for Participants: Researchers must respect the autonomy, privacy, and dignity of research participants. This involves obtaining informed consent from participants before their involvement in research, ensuring their confidentiality, and minimizing any potential harm or discomfort.
- 6. Transparency and Reproducibility: Research findings should be transparently reported, allowing other scientists to reproduce and verify the results. Open sharing of data, methodologies, and materials promotes scientific progress and fosters trust within the scientific community. Social Responsibility: Scientists have a responsibility to consider the potential societal impacts of their research. This involves assessing the ethical, social, and environmental implications of their work and taking steps to mitigate any negative consequences. Animal Welfare: When research involves the use of animals, scientists must adhere to ethical standards for the humane treatment and care of animals. This includes minimizing animal suffering, using alternatives to animal research whenever possible, and following relevant regulations and guidelines.
- 7. Intellectual Property: Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property. Do not use unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give proper acknowledgement or credit for all contributions to research. Never plagiarize. Inclusivity and Diversity: Scientists should strive to promote inclusivity and diversity in research, including the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This helps to ensure that research findings are relevant, equitable, and representative of the broader population. Compliance with Regulations: Scientists must adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and institutional policies governing research conduct, including those related to research ethics, safety, and data protection. Environmental Sustainability: Researchers should consider the environmental impact of their work and take steps to minimize any negative effects on the environment. This may involve reducing resource consumption, minimizing waste generation, and adopting sustainable research practices.
- 8. INTELLECTUAL HONESTY AND RESEARCH INTEGRITY
- 9. Intellectual honesty Intellectual honesty is honesty in the acquisition, analysis, and transmission of ideas. A person is being intellectually honest when they, knowing the truth, state that truth.
- 10. Intellectual honesty is an applied method of problem- solving, characterized by an unbiased, honest attitude, which can be demonstrated in a number of different ways including: Relevant facts and information are not purposefully omitted even when such things may contradict one's hypothesis. Facts are presented in an unbiased manner, and not twisted to give misleading impressions or to support one view over another. References, or earlier work, are acknowledged where possible, and plagiarism is avoided.
- 11. Real life example of Intellectual Honesty Retraction (Cancellation) of the Wakefield Study on Vaccines and Autism • In 1998, Dr. Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues published a study in The Lancet(a medical journal) suggesting a link between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and autism(a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain). The study raised widespread concerns about vaccine safety and led to a decline in vaccination rates, contributing to outbreaks of preventable diseases. • However, over the years, numerous subsequent studies failed to replicate Wakefield's findings, and investigations revealed serious ethical and methodological flaws in the original study. It was discovered that Wakefield had conflicts of interest and had manipulated data to support his hypothesis. Additionally, his study lacked proper ethical approval, and his research methods were criticized for being biased and unreliable. • In 2010, The Lancet retracted Wakefield's paper, citing ethical violations, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and misrepresented findings. This retraction was a clear demonstration of intellectual honesty within the scientific community.
- 12. Research integrity Research integrity may be defined as active adherence to the ethical principles and professional standards essential for the responsible practice of research. It means conducting research in a way which allows others to have trust and confidence in the methods used and the findings that result from this.
- 13. Integrity characterizes both individual researchers and the institutions in which they work. For individuals, it is an aspect of moral character and experience. For institutions, it is a matter of creating an environment that promotes responsible conduct by embracing standards of excellence, trustworthiness, and lawfulness that inform institutional practices.
- 15. Real life example of Research Integrity Case of Dr. Jonas Salk and the development of the polio vaccine • In the 1950s, polio was a devastating disease affecting millions worldwide, especially children. Dr. Salk, along with his team at the University of Pittsburgh, developed a vaccine to prevent polio. Rather than patenting the vaccine and profiting from its distribution, Dr. Salk chose to make it freely available, stating, "Could you patent the sun?" • Dr. Salk conducted extensive clinical trials to ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. He collaborated with other researchers and public health officials to conduct large-scale field trials involving millions of children. Throughout the process, Dr. Salk prioritized scientific rigor, transparency, and the welfare of research participants. • When the results of the vaccine trials were positive, Dr. Salk announced them openly, without seeking personal gain. In 1955, the Salk vaccine was declared safe and effective, marking a major breakthrough in the fight against polio. Dr. Salk's commitment to research integrity and public service helped to eradicate polio in many parts of the world and saved countless lives. The story of Dr. Jonas Salk and the development of the polio vaccine serves as a powerful example of research integrity.
- 16. Thank you!