1. On Being a Scientist or Researcher Responsible Conduct in Research Ag. Ec. 170 August 30, 2002 Acknowledgements: National Academy of Science

2. 8/30/02 Responsible Conduct in Research2 Social Foundations of Research  What do Researchers or Scientists Do? Observe problems and try to solve them Define objectives of study State hypotheses Collect evidence Communicate results Review and critique results of others Train and supervise associates

3. 8/30/02 Responsible Conduct in Research3 Social Foundations of Research  Research is a Social and Technical Enterprise  Collaborate w/ Colleagues  Attend and Present Papers Meetings, seminars, company conferences  Ongoing Review and Criticism Important  Minimize Secretiveness  Conducted by Skeptics

4. 8/30/02 Responsible Conduct in Research4 Experimental Techniques  Experimental Techniques and Data Treatment Designed to minimize personal bias Statistical validation Blind trials Survey design  Random samples  Stratified random samples  Purposive sampling Results can be checked, replicated and accepted

5. 8/30/02 Responsible Conduct in Research5 Experimental Techniques  Methodology Defined by Researcher Sometimes elusive Controversial--Cold fusion Collaborative vs. individuality Andrew Wyles Einstein Bucky balls  Methodology Understood and Replicable Cold fusion experiments

6. 8/30/02 Responsible Conduct in Research6 Values in Science and Research  Interpret Data, Present and Communicate results “Best” way to work w/ others present results  Values Affect way Research is Conducted Einstein “God does not play dice” Lyell’s incremental vs. chaotic geologic change  Continued Search and Skepticism vs. Blind Belief Mendelian vs. Russian social genetics Evolution vs. creationism  Challenge to Understand Role of Individual Values

7. 8/30/02 Responsible Conduct in Research7 Conflicts of Interest  Public vs. Private Funding Financial interests in project or proposal Company sponsored research  Reviewing/Collaborating With Others Same area, ahead of you Same area, behind you  Company and Institutional Policies and Procedures  Disclosure

8. 8/30/02 Responsible Conduct in Research8 Publication and Openness  Birth of Modern Science Prior to 17th century secretiveness prevailed Isacc Newton John Harrison’s struggle  Birth of Modern Refereed Journal-Oldenburg Publication Review  Publication vs. Pre-Publication Avenues Electronic publication

9. 8/30/02 Responsible Conduct in Research9 Publication and Openness  Protection of Self Interest Individual and firm Proprietary, military Scrutiny of work still important Suppression of negative results--Jeff Wygand  Defensibility of results Social research often sloppy, patronizing Promotion of client self interest vs. correct methodology

10. 8/30/02 Responsible Conduct in Research10 Allocation of Credit  Citation  Acknowledgements  “Bring Others Along”  Senior vs. junior collaboration Acknowledging associates and subordinates

11. 8/30/02 Responsible Conduct in Research11 Errors and Negligence  Errors of Omission vs. Commission Research is not infallible Disclose quickly  Errors of Negligence Destroy a Career Doctoring surveys Doctoring trials Doctoring data  Cold Fusion Again