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Chien PFW, Elsuity MA, Rashwan MM, Núñez-Núñez M, Khan KS, Zamora-Romero J, Bueno-Cavanillas A, Fawzy M. Post-publication research integrity concerns in randomized clinical trials: A scoping review of the literature. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 166:984-993. [PMID: 38571333 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-publication handling of integrity concerns in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is a contentious matter. OBJECTIVES We undertook a scoping systematic review to map the literature regarding post-publication integrity issues in RCTs. SEARCH STRATEGY AND SELECTION CRITERIA Following prospective registration (https://osf.io/pgxd8) we initially searched PubMed and Scopus but subsequently extended it to include the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases without language, article type or publication time restriction until November 2022. Reviewers independently selected published articles covering any aspect of post-publication research integrity concerns in RCTs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The study findings grouped within domains relating to issues concerning post-publication integrity were extracted in duplicate, verified by a third reviewer, and then tabulated. MAIN RESULTS The initial search captured 3159 citations, of which 89 studies were included in the review. Cross-sectional studies constituted the majority of included studies (n = 34, 38.2%), followed by systematic reviews (n = 10, 11.2%), methodology reviews/studies (n = 9, 10.1%) and other types of descriptive studies (n = 8, 9.0%). A total of 21 articles (23.6%) covered the domain on general issues, 25 (28.1%) in the journal's instructions and policies domain, eight (9.0%) in the editorial and peer review domain, one (1.1%) in the correspondence and complaints (post-publication peer review) domain, 12 (13.5%) in the investigation for concerns domain, six (6.7%) in the post-investigation decisions and sanctions domain, none in the critical appraisal guidance domain, five (5.6%) in the integrity assessment in systematic reviews domain, and 26 (29.2%) in the recommendations for future research domain. A total of 12 of the selected articles (13.5%) covered two (n = 9) or three (n = 3) different domains. CONCLUSIONS Various research integrity domains and issues covering post-publication aspects of RCT integrity were captured and gaps were identified, mostly related with the necessary implications for all stakeholders to improve research transparency. There is an urgent need for a multistakeholder consensus towards creating specific statements for addressing post-publication integrity concerns in RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick F W Chien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RCSI and UCD Malaysia Campus, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad A Elsuity
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Ibnsina, Amshaj & Ajyal IVF Centers, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Mosab M Rashwan
- Department of Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxocology, Faculty of Medine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - María Núñez-Núñez
- Pharmacy Department, University, Hospital Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP-Spain), Madrid, Spain
| | - Khalid S Khan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Zamora-Romero
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP-Spain), Madrid, Spain
- Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aurora Bueno-Cavanillas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP-Spain), Madrid, Spain
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada Faculty of Medicine, Granada, Spain
| | - Mohamed Fawzy
- IbnSina (Sohag), Banon (Assiut), Qena (Qena), Amshag (Sohag) IVF Facilities, Sohag, Assiut, Qena, Egypt
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Armond ACV, Cobey KD, Moher D. Research Integrity definitions and challenges. J Clin Epidemiol 2024; 171:111367. [PMID: 38642717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Research integrity is guided by a set of principles to ensure research reliability and rigor. It serves as a pillar to uphold society's trust in science and foster scientific progress. However, over the past 2 decades, a surge in research integrity concerns, including fraudulent research, reproducibility challenges, and questionable practices, has raised critical questions about the reliability of scientific outputs, particularly in biomedical research. In the biomedical sciences, any breaches in research integrity could potentially lead to a domino effect impacting patient care, medical interventions, and the broader implementation of healthcare policies. Addressing these breaches requires measures such as rigorous research methods, transparent reporting, and changing the research culture. Institutional support through clear guidelines, robust training, and mentorship is crucial to fostering a culture of research integrity. However, structural and institutional factors, including research incentives and recognition systems, play an important role in research behavior. Therefore, promoting research integrity demands a collective effort from all stakeholders to maintain public trust in the scientific community and ensure the reliability of science. Here we discuss some definitions and principles, the implications for biomedical sciences, and propose actionable steps to foster research integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Catharina V Armond
- Metaresearch and Open Science Program, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Kelly D Cobey
- Metaresearch and Open Science Program, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Moher
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Journalology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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Daunt R, Curtin D, O'Mahony D. Optimizing drug therapy for older adults: shifting away from problematic polypharmacy. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:1199-1208. [PMID: 38940370 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2374048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The accelerated discovery and production of pharmaceutical products has resulted in many positive outcomes. However, this progress has also contributed to problematic polypharmacy, one of the rapidly growing threats to public health in this century. Problematic polypharmacy results in adverse patient outcomes and imposes increased strain and financial burden on healthcare systems. AREAS COVERED A review was conducted on the current body of evidence concerning factors contributing to and consequences of problematic polypharmacy. Recent trials investigating interventions that target polypharmacy and emerging solutions, including incorporation of artificial intelligence, are also examined in this article. EXPERT OPINION To shift away from problematic polypharmacy, a multifaceted interdisciplinary approach is necessary. Any potentially successful strategy must be adapted to suit various healthcare settings and must utilize all available resources, including artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Daunt
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Denis Curtin
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Denis O'Mahony
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
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Meirmans S. How Competition for Funding Impacts Scientific Practice: Building Pre-fab Houses but no Cathedrals. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2024; 30:6. [PMID: 38349578 PMCID: PMC10864468 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-024-00465-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
In the research integrity literature, funding plays two different roles: it is thought to elevate questionable research practices (QRPs) due to perverse incentives, and it is a potential actor to incentivize research integrity standards. Recent studies, asking funders, have emphasized the importance of the latter. However, the perspective of active researchers on the impact of competitive research funding on science has not been explored yet. Here, I address this issue by conducting a series of group sessions with researchers in two different countries with different degrees of competition for funding, from three scientific fields (medical sciences, natural sciences, humanities), and in two different career stages (permanent versus temporary employment). Researchers across all groups experienced that competition for funding shapes science, with many unintended negative consequences. Intriguingly, these consequences had little to do with the type of QRPs typically being presented in the research integrity literature. Instead, the researchers pointed out that funding could result in predictable, fashionable, short-sighted, and overpromising science. This was seen as highly problematic: scientists experienced that the 'projectification' of science makes it more and more difficult to do any science of real importance: plunging into the unknown or addressing big issues that need a long-term horizon to mature. They also problematized unintended negative effects from collaboration and strategizing. I suggest it may be time to move away from a focus on QRPs in connection with funding, and rather address the real problems. Such a shift may then call for entirely different types of policy actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Meirmans
- Department of Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Netherlands.
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Fahim A, Sadaf A, Jafari FH, Siddique K, Sethi A. Questionable research practices of medical and dental faculty in Pakistan - a confession. BMC Med Ethics 2024; 25:11. [PMID: 38297258 PMCID: PMC10829322 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-024-01004-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intellectual honesty and integrity are the cornerstones of conducting any form of research. Over the last few years, scholars have shown great concerns over questionable research practices (QRPs) in academia. This study aims to investigate the questionable research practices amongst faculty members of medical and dental colleges in Pakistan. METHOD A descriptive multi-institutional online survey was conducted from June-August 2022. Based on previous studies assessing research misconduct, 43 questionable research practices in four domains: Data collection & storage, Data analysis, Study reporting and Collaboration & authorship were identified and investigated. Descriptive (Frequencies, Percentages, Mean, SD) and Inferential (chi square) statistics were calculated. RESULTS A total of 654 faculty members responded. Every respondent reported committing at least one QRP in their career. The most common QRPs included deliberately failing to mention funding, publishing program evaluation data not meant for research purposes or approved by an ethical body, inappropriately storing identifiable information and non-disclosure of any conflicts. There was significant association of age, gender and academic rank with QRPs in 'Data collection and storage' and 'Data Analysis' domains. CONCLUSION Medical and dental faculty members participating in this study are involved in a range of questionable research practices (QRPs) in Pakistan. Their confession might have contributed to the faculty developing self-awareness and reinforcing academic integrity. There is a need for reviewing policies and practices to improve research culture. Future research should explore the factors resulting in such practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Fahim
- University College of Dentistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Sadaf
- Shifa College of Dentistry, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Kashif Siddique
- University College of Dentistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
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Roje R, Reyes Elizondo A, Kaltenbrunner W, Buljan I, Marušić A. Factors influencing the promotion and implementation of research integrity in research performing and research funding organizations: A scoping review. Account Res 2023; 30:633-671. [PMID: 35531936 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2022.2073819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Promoting and implementing research integrity is considered the joint responsibility and effort of multiple stakeholders in the research community. We conducted a scoping review and analyzed 236 research articles and gray literature publications from biomedical sciences, social sciences, natural sciences (including engineering), and humanities that dealt with the factors that may positively or negatively impact the promotion and implementation of research integrity. Critical appraisal of evidence was performed for studies describing interventions aimed at research integrity promotion in order to provide insight into the effectiveness of these interventions. The results of this scoping review provide a comprehensive taxonomy of factors with positive or negative impact and their relatedness to individual researchers, research performing and funding organizations, and the system of science. Moreover, the results show that efforts for fostering and promoting research integrity should be implemented at all three levels (researcher, institution, system) simultaneously to deliver greater adherence and implementation of research integrity practices. Although various educational interventions aiming at research integrity promotion exist, we were not able to conclude on the effectiveness of explored interventions due to the methodological quality issues in the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rea Roje
- Department of Research in Biomedicine in Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Andrea Reyes Elizondo
- Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Kaltenbrunner
- Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ivan Buljan
- Department of Research in Biomedicine in Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Marušić
- Department of Research in Biomedicine in Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
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7
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Neoh MJY, Carollo A, Lee A, Esposito G. Fifty years of research on questionable research practises in science: quantitative analysis of co-citation patterns. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230677. [PMID: 37859842 PMCID: PMC10582594 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Questionable research practises (QRPs) have been the focus of the scientific community amid greater scrutiny and evidence highlighting issues with replicability across many fields of science. To capture the most impactful publications and the main thematic domains in the literature on QRPs, this study uses a document co-citation analysis. The analysis was conducted on a sample of 341 documents that covered the past 50 years of research in QRPs. Nine major thematic clusters emerged. Statistical reporting and statistical power emerged as key areas of research, where systemic-level factors in how research is conducted are consistently raised as the precipitating factors for QRPs. There is also an encouraging shift in the focus of research into open science practises designed to address engagement in QRPs. Such a shift is indicative of the growing momentum of the open science movement, and more research can be conducted on how these practises are employed on the ground and how their uptake by researchers can be further promoted. However, the results suggest that, while pre-registration and registered reports receive the most research interest, less attention has been paid to other open science practises (e.g. data sharing).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Jin Yee Neoh
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore
| | - Alessandro Carollo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto 38068, Italy
| | - Albert Lee
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto 38068, Italy
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Núñez-Núñez M, Maes-Carballo M, Mignini LE, Chien PFW, Khalaf Y, Fawzy M, Zamora J, Khan KS, Bueno-Cavanillas A. Research integrity in randomized clinical trials: A scoping umbrella review. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 162:860-876. [PMID: 37062861 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are experiencing a crisis of confidence in their trustworthiness. Although a comprehensive literature search yielded several reviews on RCT integrity, an overarching overview is lacking. OBJECTIVES The authors undertook a scoping umbrella review of the research integrity literature concerning RCTs. SEARCH STRATEGY AND SELECTION CRITERIA Following prospective registration (https://osf.io/3ursn), two reviewers independently searched PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, without language or time restrictions, until November 2021. The authors included systematic reviews covering any aspect of research integrity throughout the RCT lifecycle. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The authors assessed methodological quality using a modified AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) tool and collated the main findings. MAIN RESULTS A total of 55 relevant reviews, summarizing 6001 studies (median per review, 63; range, 8-1106) from 1964 to 2021, had an overall critically low quality of 96% (53 reviews). Topics covered included general aspects (15%), design and approval (22%), conduct and monitoring (11%), reporting (38%), postpublication concerns (2%), and future research (13%). The most common integrity issues covered were ethics (18%) and transparency (18%). CONCLUSIONS Low-quality reviews identified various integrity issues across the RCT lifecycle, emphasizing the importance of high ethical standards and professionalism while highlighting gaps in the integrity landscape. Multistakeholder consensus is needed to develop specific RCT integrity standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Núñez-Núñez
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospital Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
- Biomedical research institute of Granada (IBS-Granada), Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP-Spain), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Maes-Carballo
- General Surgery Department. Breast Cancer Unit, Complexo Hospitalario de Ourense, Ourense, Spain
- General Surgery Department, Hospital Público Verín, Ourense, Spain
| | | | | | - Yacoub Khalaf
- Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mohamed Fawzy
- IbnSina (Sohag), Banon (Assiut), Qena (Qena), Amshag (Sohag) IVF Facilities, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Javier Zamora
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP-Spain), Madrid, Spain
- Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Khalid S Khan
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP-Spain), Madrid, Spain
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada Faculty of Medicine, Granada, Spain
| | - Aurora Bueno-Cavanillas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP-Spain), Madrid, Spain
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada Faculty of Medicine, Granada, Spain
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Núñez-Núñez M, Cano-Ibáñez N, Zamora J, Bueno-Cavanillas A, Khan KS. Assessing the Integrity of Clinical Trials Included in Evidence Syntheses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6138. [PMID: 37372725 PMCID: PMC10298200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Evidence syntheses of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) offer the highest level of scientific evidence for informing clinical practice and policy. The value of evidence synthesis itself depends on the trustworthiness of the included RCTs. The rising number of retractions and expressions of concern about the authenticity of RCTs has raised awareness about the existence of problematic studies, sometimes called "zombie" trials. Research integrity, i.e., adherence to ethical and professional standards, is a multi-dimensional concept that is incompletely evaluated for the RCTs included in current evidence syntheses. Systematic reviewers tend to rely on the editorial and peer-review system established by journals as custodians of integrity of the RCTs they synthesize. It is now well established that falsified and fabricated RCTs are slipping through. Thus, RCT integrity assessment becomes a necessary step in systematic reviews going forward, in particular because RCTs with data-related integrity concerns remain available for use in evidence syntheses. There is a need for validated tools for systematic reviewers to proactively deploy in the assessment of integrity deviations without having to wait for RCTs to be retracted by journals or expressions of concern issued. This article analyzes the issues and challenges in conducting evidence syntheses where the literature contains RCTs with possible integrity deficits. The way forward in the form of formal RCT integrity assessments in systematic reviews is proposed, and implications of this new initiative are discussed. Future directions include emphasizing ethical and professional standards, providing tailored integrity-specific training, and creating systems to promote research integrity, as improvements in RCT integrity will benefit evidence syntheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Núñez-Núñez
- Pharmacy Department, Clínico San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Research Institute (Ibs. Granada), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Naomi Cano-Ibáñez
- Biosanitary Research Institute (Ibs. Granada), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Zamora
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biostatistics, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Aurora Bueno-Cavanillas
- Biosanitary Research Institute (Ibs. Granada), 18012 Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Khalid Saeed Khan
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
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Lindemann T, Häberlein L. Contours of a research ethics and integrity perspective on open science. Front Res Metr Anal 2023; 8:1052353. [PMID: 37235074 PMCID: PMC10206019 DOI: 10.3389/frma.2023.1052353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This article argues that adopting a research ethics and integrity perspective could support researchers in operationalizing the open science guiding principle "as open as possible, as closed as necessary" in a responsible and context-sensitive manner. To that end, the article points out why the guiding principle as such provides only a limited extent of action-guidance and outlines the practical value of ethical reflection when it comes to translating open science into responsible research practice. The article illustrates how research ethics and integrity considerations may help researchers understand the ethical rationale underpinning open science as well as recognize that limiting openness is necessary or at least normatively permissible in some situations. Finally, the article briefly discusses possible consequences of integrating open science into a responsibility-centered framework and implications on research assessment.
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Pizzolato D, Dierickx K. The Mentor's Role in Fostering Research Integrity Standards Among New Generations of Researchers: A Review of Empirical Studies. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2023; 29:19. [PMID: 37160826 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-023-00439-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Promoting research integrity practices among doctoral candidates and early career researchers is important for creating a stable and healthy research environment. In addition to teaching specific technical skills and knowledge, research supervisors and mentors inevitably convey research practices, both directly and indirectly. We conducted a scoping review to summarise the role of mentors in fostering research integrity practices, mentors' responsibilities and the role that institutions have in supporting good mentorship. We searched five different databases and included studies that used an empirical methodology. After searching, a total of 1199 articles were retrieved, of which 24 were eligible for analysis. After snowballing, a total of 35 empirical articles were selected. The review discusses various themes such as the importance of good mentorship, poor mentorship practices, virtues and qualities of mentors, responsibilities and activities of mentors, group mentoring and responsibilities of the institution in supporting good mentorship. This review demonstrates the importance of mentors instilling responsible research practices and attitudes, and promoting research integrity among their mentees. Mentors are responsible for providing explicit guidance and for acting as good role models. The review highlights how poor mentorship can have a bad impact on the research climate. In addition, the review highlights the important influence that institutions can have in supporting mentorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pizzolato
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Kris Dierickx
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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van den Hoven M, Lindemann T, Zollitsch L, Prieß-Buchheit J. A Taxonomy for Research Intergrity Training: Design, Conduct, and Improvements in Research Integrity Courses. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2023; 29:14. [PMID: 37097508 PMCID: PMC10129911 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-022-00425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Trainers often use information from previous learning sessions to design or redesign a course. Although universities conducted numerous research integrity training in the past decades, information on what works and what does not work in research integrity training are still scattered. The latest meta-reviews offer trainers some information about effective teaching and learning activities. Yet they lack information to determine which activities are plausible for specific target groups and learning outcomes and thus do not support course design decisions in the best possible manner. This article wants to change this status quo and outlines an easy-to-use taxonomy for research integrity training based on Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation to foster mutual exchange and improve research integrity course design. By describing the taxonomy for research integrity training (TRIT) in detail and outlining three European projects, their intended training effects before the project started, their learning outcomes, teaching and learning activities, and their assessment instruments, this article introduces a unified approach. This article gives practitioners references to identify didactical interrelations and impacts and (knowledge) gaps in how to (re-)design an RI course. The suggested taxonomy is easy to use and enables an increase in tailored and evidence-based (re-)designs of research integrity training.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom Lindemann
- European Network of Research Ethics Committees, Bonn, Germany
| | - Linda Zollitsch
- Zentrum für Konstruktive Erziehungswissenschaft e.V., Kiel, Germany
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13
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Khan KS. International multi-stakeholder consensus statement on clinical trial integrity. BJOG 2023. [PMID: 37161843 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prepare a set of statements for randomised clinical trials (RCT) integrity through an international multi-stakeholder consensus. METHODS The consensus was developed via: multi-country multidisciplinary stakeholder group composition and engagement; evidence synthesis of 55 systematic reviews concerning RCT integrity; anonymised two-round modified Delphi survey with consensus threshold based on the average percentage of majority opinions; and, a final consensus development meeting. Prospective registrations: (https://osf.io/bhncy, https://osf.io/3ursn). RESULTS There were 30 stakeholders representing 15 countries from five continents including triallists, ethicists, methodologists, statisticians, consumer representatives, industry representatives, systematic reviewers, funding body panel members, regulatory experts, authors, journal editors, peer-reviewers and advisors for resolving integrity concerns. Delphi survey response rate was 86.7% (26/30 stakeholders). There were 111 statements (73 stakeholder-provided, 46 systematic review-generated, 8 supported by both) in the initial long list, with eight additional statements provided during the consensus rounds. Through consensus the final set consolidated 81 statements (49 stakeholder-provided, 41 systematic review-generated, 9 supported by both). The entire RCT life cycle was covered by the set of statements including general aspects (n = 6), design and approval (n = 11), conduct and monitoring (n = 19), reporting of protocols and findings (n = 20), post-publication concerns (n = 12), and future research and development (n = 13). CONCLUSION Implementation of this multi-stakeholder consensus statement is expected to enhance RCT integrity.
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Gupta A, Bosco F. Tempest in a teacup: An analysis of p-Hacking in organizational research. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281938. [PMID: 36827325 PMCID: PMC9955613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We extend questionable research practices (QRPs) research by conducting a robust, large-scale analysis of p-hacking in organizational research. We leverage a manually curated database of more than 1,000,000 correlation coefficients and sample sizes, with which we calculate exact p-values. We test for the prevalence and magnitude of p-hacking across the complete database as well as various subsets of the database according to common bivariate relation types in the organizational literature (e.g., attitudes-behaviors). Results from two analytical approaches (i.e., z-curve, critical bin comparisons) were consistent in both direction and significance in nine of 18 datasets. Critical bin comparisons indicated p-hacking in 12 of 18 subsets, three of which reached statistical significance. Z-curve analyses indicated p-hacking in 11 of 18 subsets, two of which reached statistical significance. Generally, results indicated that p-hacking is detectable but small in magnitude. We also tested for three predictors of p-hacking: Publication year, journal prestige, and authorship team size. Across two analytic approaches, we observed a relatively consistent positive relation between p-hacking and journal prestige, and no relationship between p-hacking and authorship team size. Results were mixed regarding the temporal trends (i.e., evidence for p-hacking over time). In sum, the present study of p-hacking in organizational research indicates that the prevalence of p-hacking is smaller and less concerning than earlier research has suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Gupta
- Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, School of Business, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Frank Bosco
- Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, School of Business, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
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15
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Deniau N. Perceptions on the role of research integrity officers in French medical schools. Account Res 2023:1-21. [PMID: 36717111 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2023.2173070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Researchers, organizations, and governments are trying to foster research integrity. In France, the law recently permitted the appointment of research integrity officers (RIOs) in each university, to promote research integrity and handle misconducts. Since we assumed that having adequate bodies to deal with research integrity could foster research integrity, we wanted to understand how this might work more concretely. We interviewed 11 newly appointed RIOs in medical schools about how they perceive their role and cope with their responsibilities. We analyzed data following the Paillé and Muchielli's thematic analysis approach. The RIOs report a strong and interesting appropriation of concepts of research integrity, which allows them to warrant their role. Although they report that they did not seek their appointment, they show a real desire to cope with their responsibilities. They are willing to build a role which is currently poorly defined. They assert their legitimacy through their position and experience. They identify themselves with a preventive and corrective role, in an altruistic way. They emphasize their independent and collective role, congruent with other actors. The RIOs intend to be enablers of a responsible conduct of research. These results are encouraging about the potential impact of RIOs to foster research integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Deniau
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UFR Simone Veil, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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16
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Cao Y, Jiang Y, Zhao Y. A study on the content of integrity policies and research integrity management in Chinese universities. Front Res Metr Anal 2023; 8:943228. [PMID: 36844756 PMCID: PMC9950633 DOI: 10.3389/frma.2023.943228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study outlines a comprehensive analysis of the primary characteristics of managing research integrity (RI) in domestic colleges and universities in China. RI education in China consists primarily of soft advocacy, with no hard requirements or continuous and systematic support. Together with other stakeholders, such as funders and publishers, higher education institutions (e.g., colleges and universities) are one of the vital actors that have a lot of influence on RI promotion and implementation among researchers. However, the literature on the regulation of RI policies in China's universities is limited. Methods We investigate the top 50 colleges and universities in the 2021 Best Chinese Universities Ranking. Their guidance and policy documents on RI were collected via their official websites. By integrating the use of scientometrics analysis, including descriptive statistical analysis, inductive content analysis, and quantitative analysis, we examine whether and how these higher education institutions respond to national policies in a timely manner, especially in terms of their frequency of updates, topic clustering analysis, terms clustering analysis, content aggregation. To further understand the composition mechanism and the main working systems of university RI management organizations, we conducted in-depth research on the organizational functions, meeting system, staff composition mechanism, and scientific research misconduct acceptance and investigation mechanisms. Results The regulations on the treatment of RI in China's universities have, in response to the government's call to establish their own management policies and working mechanisms, maintained a zero-tolerance stance on research misconduct. The sampled universities listed the definition and principles of misconduct practices, investigation procedures, and sanctions of research misconduct in their own policy documents. Some of them listed inappropriate research practices All 50 sampled universities have formed relevant organizations responsible for RI management, they all provide the detailed regulations of the committees. Yet, there is still a need to further define Questionable Research Practice, foster higher standards for integrity in research and, establish and improve an efficient, authoritative, well-restrained and supervision working mechanism for organizations responsible for RI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cao
- Library of China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwei Jiang
- Library of China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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17
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Kondakci Y, Zayim Kurtay M, Kaya Kasikci S, Önen Ö. Graduate student perceptions of preparedness for responsible conduct of research: a mixed methods study. ETHICS & BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10508422.2022.2149524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasar Kondakci
- Department of Educational Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara Turkey
| | - Merve Zayim Kurtay
- Department of Educational Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara Turkey
| | - Sevgi Kaya Kasikci
- Department of Educational Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara Turkey
| | - Özgür Önen
- Department of Educational Sciences, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur Turkey
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18
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Vie KJ. Empowering the Research Community to Investigate Misconduct and Promote Research Integrity and Ethics: New Regulation in Scandinavia. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2022; 28:59. [PMID: 36396797 PMCID: PMC9671971 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-022-00400-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Researchers sometimes engage in various forms of dishonesty and unethical behavior, which has led to regulatory efforts to ensure that they work according to acceptable standards. Such regulation is a difficult task, as research is a diverse and dynamic endeavor. Researchers can disagree about what counts as good and acceptable standards, and these standards are constantly developing. This paper presents and discusses recent changes in research integrity and ethics regulation in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Recognizing that research norms are developed through practice and are therefore unsuited for comprehensive national regulation, the Scandinavian countries focus on empowering the research community to regulate itself instead, except for the most severe cases of misconduct. This empowerment takes the form of giving research institutions tools and investigatory powers while also holding them responsible for ensuring that both the institution and individual researchers are up to date on relevant norms. In this way, the Scandinavian governments seek to avoid some of the challenges found in more legalistic approaches, which risk lagging behind the continuous development of research norms and can be insensitive to the fact that different disciplines have different norms. While the new approach in Scandinavian has several potential benefits, it also involves potential trade-offs and limitations. The new laws can create confusion about what researchers are allowed to do. Another issue is that it only addresses the fundamental drivers of misconduct to a limited extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Jørgen Vie
- TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture, University of Oslo, Sognsveien 77B, 3. Et., 0855, Oslo, Norway.
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19
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Ghaderi H, Gooshki ES, Kruger E. ETHICS IN MEDICAL RESEARCH AND PUBLISHING. CENTRAL ASIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HYPOTHESES AND ETHICS 2022. [DOI: 10.47316/cajmhe.2022.3.3.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to provide a concise argument on the importance of ethics in scientific endeavors. Consideration should be given to all aspects of a research project, including, study design, approval process, execution, and publication. In addition, parameters such as human roles in research and human rights are noted. Furthermore, critical questions such as confidentiality, beneficence, and non-maleficent research are emphasized. Apart from the significance of data analysis, the adverse consequences of unethical behaviors such as plagiarism, data falsification, and research bias are investigated.
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20
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Núñez-Núñez M, Andrews JC, Fawzy M, Bueno-Cavanillas A, Khan KS. Research integrity in clinical trials: innocent errors and spin versus scientific misconduct. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 34:332-339. [PMID: 35895940 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW High-quality research underpins the best healthcare practice. This article focuses on analyzing the current literature to promote research integrity across clinical trials. RECENT FINDINGS Recent admissions of questionable practices by researchers have undermined practitioner and public confidence. There is limited evidence specifically for ethical and professional standards in clinical trials to guide researchers and institutions to embed integrity into research practice. SUMMARY Unintentional errors and spin in research are not uncommon as training in design and conduct of clinical trials is not part of health education for medical and allied health professions. There is unfamiliarity with procedures, such as prospective registration, a priori documentation of statistical analysis plans, openness in data sharing, and so forth. This, combined with the academic culture of secrecy, has led to an environment where scientific suspicion, instead of trust, is the norm. Existing science integrity documents are devoid of specific recommendations about how to translate any guidance into clinical trial practice. There is a need for constructive, supportive and multidisciplinary approaches based on open dialogue and continuous training, targeting the research environment. Research integrity now needs to take centre stage to re-instill confidence in randomized trial evidence to inform clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Núñez-Núñez
- Clínico San Cecilio Clinical University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (Ibs.Granada), Granada, Spain
| | | | - Mohamed Fawzy
- IbnSina (Sohag), Banon (Assiut), Qena (Qena), Amshag (Sohag) IVF Facilities, Egypt
| | - Aurora Bueno-Cavanillas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (Ibs.Granada), Granada, Spain
| | - Khalid Saeed Khan
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain
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Evans N, Buljan I, Valenti E, Bouter L, Marušić A, de Vries R, Widdershoven G. Stakeholders' Experiences of Research Integrity Support in Universities: A Qualitative Study in Three European Countries. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2022; 28:43. [PMID: 36042054 PMCID: PMC9427880 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-022-00390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fostering research integrity (RI) increasingly focuses on normative guidance and supportive measures within institutions. To be successful, the implementation of support should be informed by stakeholders' experiences of RI support. This study aims to explore experiences of RI support in Dutch, Spanish and Croatian universities. In total, 59 stakeholders (Netherlands n = 25, Spain n = 17, Croatia n = 17) participated in 16 focus groups in three European countries. Global themes on RI support experiences were identified by thematic analysis. Themes identified were: 'RI governance and institutional implementation', 'RI roles and structures', 'RI education and supervision', and 'Infrastructure, technology and tools supporting daily practice'. Experiences of support differed between countries in relation to: the efforts to translate norms into practice; the extent to which RI oversight was a responsibility of RE structures, or separate RI structures; and the availability of support close to research practice, such as training, responsible supervision, and adequate tools and infrastructure. The study reinforces the importance of a whole institutional approach to RI, embedded within local jurisdictions, rules, and practices. A whole institutional approach puts the emphasis of responsibility on institutions rather than individual researchers. When such an approach is lacking, some stakeholders look for intervention by authorities, such as funders, outside of the university.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Evans
- Department of Ethics, Law, and Humanities, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ivan Buljan
- Department of Research in Biomedicine in Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Emanuele Valenti
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
- Institute of Clinical Ethics, Francisco Valles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lex Bouter
- Department of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Marušić
- Department of Research in Biomedicine in Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Raymond de Vries
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Guy Widdershoven
- Department of Ethics, Law, and Humanities, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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22
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Armond ACV, Kakuk P. Perceptions of Research Integrity Climate in Hungarian Universities: Results from A Survey among Academic Researchers. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2022; 28:30. [PMID: 35771286 PMCID: PMC9245862 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-022-00382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Research integrity climate is an important factor that influences an individual's behavior. A strong research integrity culture can lead to better research practices and responsible conduct of research (RCR). Therefore, investigations on organizational climate can be a valuable tool to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each group and develop targeted initiatives. This study aims to assess the perceptions on integrity climate in three universities in Hungary. A cross-sectional study was conducted with PhD students, postdocs, and professors from three Hungarian universities. The survey included demographic questions, such as gender, age, scientific field, academic rank, and the Survey of Organizational Research Climate (SOURCE). A total of 432 participants completed the survey. Our results show that postdocs and assistant professors perceived integrity climate more negatively than PhD students and full professors in every survey scale. Contrarily, PhD students perceive more positively than the other groups. Disciplinary differences show that researchers in the Biomedical sciences perceive regulatory bodies to be fairer when evaluating their projects than those in the Natural sciences. Natural sciences also perceive more negatively how the department values integrity when compared to Humanities. Humanities perceive more positively Advisor/Advisee Relations than Biomedical Sciences. Our results suggest that institutions should pay more attention to early career researchers, especially insecure and temporary positions like postdocs and assistant professors. They should provide RCR resources, socialize them in RCR, and set more reasonable expectations. Moreover, department leaders should develop initiatives to foster better integrity climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Catharina Vieira Armond
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Péter Kakuk
- Center for Ethics and Law in Biomedicine, Central European University, Budapest, Hungary
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23
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Leta J, Araujo K, Treiber S. Citing documents of Wakefield’s retracted article: the domino effect of authors and journals. Scientometrics 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11192-022-04353-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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24
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Cooke SJ, Hultine KR, Rummer JL, Fangue NA, Seebacher F, Eliason EJ, MacMillan HA, Fuller A, Franklin CE. Elevating the impact of conservation physiology by building a community devoted to excellence, transparency, ethics, integrity and mutual respect. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coac015. [PMID: 35492405 PMCID: PMC9040284 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Cooke
- Corresponding author: Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Kevin R Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
| | - Jodie L Rummer
- College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - Nann A Fangue
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Frank Seebacher
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2016, Australia
| | - Erika J Eliason
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Heath A MacMillan
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Andrea Fuller
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
| | - Craig E Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland , 4072, Australia
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Valeva M, Dankova P, Priess-Buchheit J. Students’ mindsets on research integrity—a cross-cultural comparison. Facets (Ott) 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2021-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Research integrity (RI) has been a focus of society in recent years as a means to create and to keep trust in science. Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a key role in promoting a culture of RI and responsible conduct of research (RCR). The understanding and practice of RI can vary across cultures. This article aims to outline initial insights into university students’ RI mindsets based on five RI facets: understanding, importance, value–action gap, enforcement approaches, and training. A qualitative exploratory cross-cultural study was conducted with participants from Germany and Bulgaria via semi-structured guided group interviews. An explicit transcultural agreement regarding the significance of RI was categorically indicated. Intercultural differences between the two European countries were revealed and discussed in reference to understanding RI, the value–action gap, enforcement approaches, and training preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Valeva
- Trier University of Applied Sciences, Environmental Business/Environmental Law, Environmental Campus Birkenfeld, Postfach 1380, 55761, Birkenfeld, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
| | - Petya Dankova
- Varna University of Economics, 77 Knyaz Boris I Blvd., 9002, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Julia Priess-Buchheit
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Wissenschafts- und Kulturzentrum, Friedrich-Streib-Strasse 2, 96450, Coburg, Bavaria, Germany
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Solomon ED, English T, Wroblewski M, DuBois JM, Antes AL. Assessing the climate for research ethics in labs: Development and validation of a brief measure. Account Res 2022; 29:2-17. [PMID: 33517782 PMCID: PMC8333187 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2021.1881891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The environment researchers work in influences their ethical decisions and behavior. A "climate" for research ethics in a research lab exists when members of the lab perceive that the group values and is committed to principles of research ethics. In this study, we aimed to develop a short, reliable and valid measure assessing perceptions of climate for research ethics at the lab level. The resulting measure, Lab Climate for Research Ethics, was developed using standard scale development guidelines. In a large sample of postdoctoral researchers (N = 570), we found preliminary evidence that the new measure has adequate internal consistency reliability. It was also correlated with an existing measure of climate for research ethics and was not correlated with social desirability, demonstrating evidence of construct validity. The new measure can be used in a variety of contexts, including research administrators seeking information about climate within labs across an institution and researchers who study lab environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D. Solomon
- Bioethics Research Center, Division of General Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tammy English
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Matthew Wroblewski
- Bioethics Research Center, Division of General Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - James M. DuBois
- Bioethics Research Center, Division of General Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alison L. Antes
- Bioethics Research Center, Division of General Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Campus Box 8005, 4523 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110
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Research Integrity and Hidden Value Conflicts. JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC ETHICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10805-021-09442-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractResearch integrity is a well-established term used to talk and write about ethical issues in research. Part of its success might be its broad applicability. In this paper, we suggest that this might also be its Achilles heel, since it has the potential to conceal important value conflicts. We identify three broad domains upon which research integrity is applied in the literature: (1) the researcher (or research group), (2) research, and (3) research-related institutions and systems. Integrity in relation to researchers concerns character, although it remains to specify precisely what character traits are the desirable ones in this context and what values researchers should endorse. Integrity in relation to research concerns correct and sufficient description of the research process, data, results, and overall ‘research record’. Hence, it concerns the quality of research. However, whether or not this notion of research integrity covers all ethical aspects of research depends on whether one endorses a wider or a narrower interpretation of the ‘research process’. Integrity in relation to research-related institutions and systems leaves open whether they should be understood as agents in their own right or merely as means to research integrity. Besides the potential lack of clarity that our analysis reveals, we point to how this variety in uses might lead to concealment of value conflicts and propose an open discussion of central values.
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Grimes DR, Heathers J. The new normal? Redaction bias in biomedical science. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:211308. [PMID: 34966555 PMCID: PMC8633797 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A concerning amount of biomedical research is not reproducible. Unreliable results impede empirical progress in medical science, ultimately putting patients at risk. Many proximal causes of this irreproducibility have been identified, a major one being inappropriate statistical methods and analytical choices by investigators. Within this, we formally quantify the impact of inappropriate redaction beyond a threshold value in biomedical science. This is effectively truncation of a dataset by removing extreme data points, and we elucidate its potential to accidentally or deliberately engineer a spurious result in significance testing. We demonstrate that the removal of a surprisingly small number of data points can be used to dramatically alter a result. It is unknown how often redaction bias occurs in the broader literature, but given the risk of distortion to the literature involved, we suggest that it must be studiously avoided, and mitigated with approaches to counteract any potential malign effects to the research quality of medical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Robert Grimes
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 7DQ, UK
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Nishimura R, Takeuchi J, Sakuma M, Uchida K, Higaonna M, Kinjo N, Sakakibara F, Nakamura T, Kosaka S, Yoshimura S, Ueda S, Morimoto T. Experience and awareness of research integrity among Japanese physicians: a nationwide cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e052351. [PMID: 34675019 PMCID: PMC8506862 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the awareness and practice of clinical research integrity among Japanese physicians. DESIGN A nationwide cross-sectional study conducted in March 2020. SETTING All hospitals in Japan. PARTICIPANTS Physicians aged <65 years who work at hospitals participated in clinical research over the past 5 years. The sample was stratified according to geographical location and subspecialty, and 1100 physicians were proportionally selected. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Knowledge and awareness of research integrity. RESULTS Among the 1100 participants, 587 (53%) had the experience of being the first author, 299 (27%) had been co-authors only and 214 (19%) had no authorship. A total of 1021 (93%) had experienced learning research integrity, and 555 (54%) became aware of research integrity. The experience of learning about research integrity was highest among those with first authorship (95%) and lowest among those without authorship (89%) (p=0.003). The majority of participants learnt about research integrity for passive reasons such as it being 'required by the institution' (57%) or it being 'required to obtain approval of institutional review board (IRB)' (30%). Potentially inappropriate research behaviours were observed in participants, with 11% indulging in copying and pasting for writing the paper, 11% for gifted authorship and 5.8% for the omission of IRB approval. Factors significantly associated with copying and pasting were being below 40 years old (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.26), being the first presenter (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.57) or having passive reasons for learning research integrity (OR: 2.96; 95% CI: 1.57 to 5.59). Furthermore, gifted authorship was significantly associated with being a co-author only (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.87) and having passive reasons for learning about research integrity (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.12). CONCLUSIONS Most physicians conducting clinical research have learnt about research integrity, but potentially inappropriate research behaviours are associated with passive reasons for learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Nishimura
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Jiro Takeuchi
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Mio Sakuma
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Uchida
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo college of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Miki Higaonna
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Norito Kinjo
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo college of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Sakakibara
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo college of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Nakamura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital, Izumo, Japan
| | | | - Shinichi Yoshimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo college of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Ueda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Takeshi Morimoto
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
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Xie Y, Wang K, Kong Y. Prevalence of Research Misconduct and Questionable Research Practices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2021; 27:41. [PMID: 34189653 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-021-00314-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Irresponsible research practices damaging the value of science has been an increasing concern among researchers, but previous work failed to estimate the prevalence of all forms of irresponsible research behavior. Additionally, these analyses have not included articles published in the last decade from 2011 to 2020. This meta-analysis provides an updated meta-analysis that calculates the pooled estimates of research misconduct (RM) and questionable research practices (QRPs), and explores the factors associated with the prevalence of these issues. The estimates, committing RM concern at least 1 of FFP (falsification, fabrication, plagiarism) and (unspecified) QRPs concern 1 or more QRPs, were 2.9% (95% CI 2.1-3.8%) and 12.5% (95% CI 10.5-14.7%), respectively. In addition, 15.5% (95% CI 12.4-19.2%) of researchers witnessed others who had committed at least 1 RM, while 39.7% (95% CI 35.6-44.0%) were aware of others who had used at least 1 QRP. The results document that response proportion, limited recall period, career level, disciplinary background and locations all affect significantly the prevalence of these issues. This meta-analysis addresses a gap in existing meta-analyses and estimates the prevalence of all forms of RM and QRPs, thus providing a better understanding of irresponsible research behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xie
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Jinzhai Road 96, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Student Working Office, Xuancheng Campus, Hefei University of Technology, Tunxi Road 193, Hefei, 230009, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Jinzhai Road 96, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Kong
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Jinzhai Road 96, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Lee IJ. Research Ethics in the Process of Conducting Research. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2021.407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- In Jae Lee
- Department of Ethics Education, Seoul National University of Education, Seoul, Korea
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32
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Ravn T, Sørensen MP. Exploring the Gray Area: Similarities and Differences in Questionable Research Practices (QRPs) Across Main Areas of Research. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2021; 27:40. [PMID: 34136962 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-021-00310-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper explores the gray area of questionable research practices (QRPs) between responsible conduct of research and severe research misconduct in the form of fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism (Steneck in SEE 12(1): 53-57, 2006). Up until now, we have had very little knowledge of disciplinary similarities and differences in QRPs. The paper is the first systematic account of variances and similarities. It reports on the findings of a comprehensive study comprising 22 focus groups on practices and perceptions of QRPs across main areas of research. The paper supports the relevance of the idea of epistemic cultures (Knorr Cetina in: Epistemic cultures: how the sciences make knowledge, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 1999), also when it comes to QRPs. It shows which QRPs researchers from different areas of research (humanities, social sciences, medical sciences, natural sciences, and technical sciences) report as the most severe and prevalent within their fields. Furthermore, it shows where in the research process these self-reported QRPs can be found. This is done by using a five-phase analytical model of the research process (idea generation, research design, data collection, data analysis, scientific publication and reporting). The paper shows that QRPs are closely connected to the distinct research practices within the different areas of research. Many QRPs can therefore only be found within one area of research, and QRPs that cut across main areas often cover relatively different practices. In a few cases, QRPs in one area are considered good research practice in another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Ravn
- Department of Political Science, The Danish Centre for Studies in Research and Research Policy, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 7, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Mads P Sørensen
- Department of Political Science, The Danish Centre for Studies in Research and Research Policy, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 7, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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33
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Tijdink JK, Horbach SPJM, Nuijten MB, O'Neill G. Towards a Research Agenda for Promoting Responsible Research Practices. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2021; 16:450-460. [PMID: 34037490 PMCID: PMC8458678 DOI: 10.1177/15562646211018916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This opinion piece aims to inform future research funding programs on responsible research practices (RRP) based on three specific objectives: (1) to give a sketch of the current international discussion on responsible research practices (RRPs); (2) to give an overview of current initiatives and already obtained results regarding RRP; and (3) to give an overview of potential future needs for research on RRP. In this opinion piece, we have used seven iterative methodological steps (including literature review, ranking, and sorting exercises) to create the proposed research agenda. We identified six main themes that we believe need attention in future research: (1) responsible evaluation of research and researchers, (2) the influence of open science and transparency on RRP, (3) research on responsible mentoring, supervision, and role modeling, (4) the effect of education and training on RRP, (5) checking for reproducibility, and (6) responsible and fair peer review. These themes have in common that they address aspects of research that are mostly on the level of the scientific system, more than on the level of the individual researcher. Some current initiatives are already gathering substantial empirical evidence to start filling these gaps. We believe that with sufficient support from all relevant stakeholders, more progress can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joeri K Tijdink
- Department of Ethics, Law and Humanities, 1209Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Philosophy, 404761Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Serge P J M Horbach
- Danish Centre for Studies in Research and Research Policy, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Center for Science and Technology Studies, 168095Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michèle B Nuijten
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, 120694Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Gareth O'Neill
- Technopolis Group, Brussels, Belgium.,Leiden University Centre for Linguistics, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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34
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Haven T, Tijdink J, Martinson B, Bouter L, Oort F. Explaining variance in perceived research misbehavior: results from a survey among academic researchers in Amsterdam. Res Integr Peer Rev 2021; 6:7. [PMID: 33941288 PMCID: PMC8094603 DOI: 10.1186/s41073-021-00110-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns about research misbehavior in academic science have sparked interest in the factors that may explain research misbehavior. Often three clusters of factors are distinguished: individual factors, climate factors and publication factors. Our research question was: to what extent can individual, climate and publication factors explain the variance in frequently perceived research misbehaviors? METHODS From May 2017 until July 2017, we conducted a survey study among academic researchers in Amsterdam. The survey included three measurement instruments that we previously reported individual results of and here we integrate these findings. RESULTS One thousand two hundred ninety-eight researchers completed the survey (response rate: 17%). Results showed that individual, climate and publication factors combined explained 34% of variance in perceived frequency of research misbehavior. Individual factors explained 7%, climate factors explained 22% and publication factors 16%. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the perceptions of the research climate play a substantial role in explaining variance in research misbehavior. This suggests that efforts to improve departmental norms might have a salutary effect on behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamarinde Haven
- Department of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Joeri Tijdink
- Department of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Brian Martinson
- Department of Research, HealthPartners Institute, 8170 33rd Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55425, USA.,Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Lex Bouter
- Department of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Oort
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 127, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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35
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Hallgrimson Z, Fabiano N, Salameh JP, Treanor LM, Frank RA, Sharifabadi AD, McInnes MDF. Tweeting Bias in Diagnostic Test Accuracy Research: Does Title or Conclusion Positivity Influence Dissemination? Can Assoc Radiol J 2021; 73:49-55. [PMID: 33874758 DOI: 10.1177/08465371211006420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine if tweeting bias exists within imaging literature by determining if diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies with positive titles or conclusions are tweeted more than non-positive studies. METHODS DTA studies published between October 2011 to April 2016 were included. Positivity of titles and conclusions were assessed independently and in duplicate, with disagreements resolved by consensus. A negative binomial regression analysis controlling for confounding variables was performed to assess the relationship between title or conclusion positivity and tweets an article received in the 100 days post-publication. RESULTS 354 DTA studies were included. Twenty-four (7%) titles and 300 (85%) conclusions were positive (or positive with qualifier); 1 (0.3%) title and 23 (7%) conclusions were negative; and 329 (93%) titles and 26 (7%) conclusions were neutral. Studies with positive, negative, and neutral titles received a mean of 0.38, 0.00, and 0.45 tweets per study; while those with positive, negative, and neutral conclusions received a mean of 0.44, 0.61, and 0.38 tweets per study. Regression coefficients were -0.05 (SE 0.46) for positive relative to non-positive titles, and -0.09 (SE 0.31) for positive relative to non-positive conclusions. The positivity of the title (P = 0.91) or conclusion (P = 0.76) was not significantly associated with the number of tweets an article received. CONCLUSIONS The positivity of the title or conclusion for DTA studies does not influence the amount of tweets it receives suggesting that tweet bias is not present among imaging diagnostic accuracy studies. Study protocol available at https://osf.io/hdk2m/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Hallgrimson
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, 6363University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas Fabiano
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, 6363University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul Salameh
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, 10055Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lee M Treanor
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, 6363University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert A Frank
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, 6363University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Matthew D F McInnes
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, 6363University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Program, 10055Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ontario, Canada
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36
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Laas K, Taylor S, Miller CZ, Brey EM, Hildt E. Views on ethical issues in research labs: A university-wide survey. Account Res 2021; 29:178-201. [PMID: 33780303 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2021.1910503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we summarize the key findings of an exploratory study in which students and faculty completed a survey that sought to identify the most important ethical issues in STEM fields, how often these issues are discussed in research groups, and how often these ethical issues come up in the daily practice of research. Participants answered a series of open-ended and Likert-scale questions to provide a detailed look at the current ethical landscape at a private research university in the Midwest. The survey also looked at potential differences between faculty and undergraduate and graduate students' perceptions in answering these questions. The results indicate that while all community members tended to view issues that can be classified as research misconduct as the most important activities to avoid in STEM-related research, the level of discussion and actual witnessing of these practices was relatively low. The study points to a consensus among students and faculty about the important ethical issues in STEM and the need for more discussion and attention to be paid to communication, collaboration, and interpersonal relationships in the research environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Laas
- Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago IL, USA
| | - Stephanie Taylor
- Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago IL, USA
| | | | - Eric M Brey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, San Antonio TX, USA
| | - Elisabeth Hildt
- Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago IL, USA
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37
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Janero DR. Tackling the reproducibility problem to empower translation of preclinical academic drug discovery: is there an answer? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:595-600. [PMID: 33617734 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1893690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David R Janero
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences; and Health Sciences Entrepreneurs; Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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38
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Valkenburg G, Dix G, Tijdink J, de Rijcke S. Expanding Research Integrity: A Cultural-Practice Perspective. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2021; 27:10. [PMID: 33559767 PMCID: PMC7872949 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-021-00291-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Research integrity (RI) is usually discussed in terms of responsibilities that individual researchers bear towards the scientific work they conduct, as well as responsibilities that institutions have to enable those individual researchers to do so. In addition to these two bearers of responsibility, a third category often surfaces, which is variably referred to as culture and practice. These notions merit further development beyond a residual category that is to contain everything that is not covered by attributions to individuals and institutions. This paper discusses how thinking in RI can take benefit from more specific ideas on practice and culture. We start by articulating elements of practice and culture, and explore how values central to RI are related to these elements. These insights help identify additional points of intervention for fostering responsible conduct. This helps to build "cultures and practices of research integrity", as it makes clear that specific times and places are connected to specific practices and cultures and should have a place in the debate on Research Integrity. With this conceptual framework, practitioners as well as theorists can avoid using the notions as residual categories that de facto amount to vague, additional burdens of responsibility for the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govert Valkenburg
- Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture, Faculty of Humanities, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Guus Dix
- Center for Higher Education Policy Studies (CHEPS), Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Joeri Tijdink
- Department of Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Philosophy, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sarah de Rijcke
- Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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39
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Abdi S, Pizzolato D, Nemery B, Dierickx K. Educating PhD Students in Research Integrity in Europe. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2021; 27:5. [PMID: 33502635 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-021-00290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
No university or research institution is immune to research misconduct or the more widespread problem of questionable research practices. To strengthen integrity in research, universities worldwide have developed education in research integrity. However, little is known about education in research integrity for PhD students in European research-intensive universities. We conducted a content analysis of didactic materials of 11 of the 23 members of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) to map out the content, format, frequency, duration, timing, and compulsory status of their training programmes and the characteristics of instructors of the onsite courses. Quantitative results revealed substantial variation in educational materials among the studied institutions. This variation might be because European research universities are free to design curricula without any requirements from the European, national, or institutional public funding channels. Given the challenges inherent to modern science and preventing misconduct, research institutions should empower future generations of researchers to engage in responsible research practices. To promote integrity in research among PhD students, we provide a set of recommendations for university-wide education in research integrity for doctoral trainees based on our investigation of educational resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shila Abdi
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Daniel Pizzolato
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kris Dierickx
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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40
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Koterwas A, Dwojak-Matras A, Kalinowska K. Dialogical teaching of research integrity: an overview of selected methods. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2021-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This communication discusses the dialogical methods of teaching research integrity and ethics as a part of the positive integrity trend focused on supporting ethical behaviour. The aim of this paper is to offer a brief overview of the selected dialogical strategies based on cases that can be successfully implemented in teaching ethical research and when sharing experiences on good scientific practice. We describe such methods as: storytelling, rotatory role playing, and the fishbowl debate, along with the “Dilemma Game” tool, “ConscienceApp” performance, and a flipped classroom idea. These theoretical considerations are based on research conducted as part of a European project under the Horizon 2020 programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Koterwas
- Educational Research Institute (IBE), Warsaw Poland
- The Maria Grzegorzewska University, Warsaw Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Kalinowska
- Educational Research Institute (IBE), Warsaw Poland
- Collegium Civitas, Warsaw Poland
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41
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Paruzel-Czachura M, Baran L, Spendel Z. Publish or be ethical? Publishing pressure and scientific misconduct in research. RESEARCH ETHICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1747016120980562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The paper reports two studies exploring the relationship between scholars’ self-reported publication pressure and their self-reported scientific misconduct in research. In Study 1 the participants ( N = 423) were scholars representing various disciplines from one big university in Poland. In Study 2 the participants ( N = 31) were exclusively members of the management, such as dean, director, etc. from the same university. In Study 1 the most common reported form of scientific misconduct was honorary authorship. The majority of researchers (71%) reported that they had not violated ethical standards in the past; 3% admitted to scientific misconduct; 51% reported being were aware of colleagues’ scientific misconduct. A small positive correlation between perceived publication pressure and intention to engage in scientific misconduct in the future was found. In Study 2 more than half of the management (52%) reported being aware of researchers’ dishonest practices, the most frequent one of these being honorary authorship. As many as 71% of the participants report observing publication pressure in their subordinates. The primary conclusions are: (1) most scholars are convinced of their morality and predict that they will behave morally in the future; (2) scientific misconduct, particularly minor offenses such as honorary authorship, is frequently observed both by researchers (particularly in their colleagues) and by their managers; (3) researchers experiencing publication pressure report a willingness to engage in scientific misconduct in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lidia Baran
- Institue of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Spendel
- Institue of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
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42
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Degn L. Integrating Integrity: The Organizational Translation of Policies on Research Integrity. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2020; 26:3167-3182. [PMID: 32840718 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-020-00262-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Responsible conduct of research and research integrity has become a key concern in both research policy and public media resulting in a number of soft law documents, such as codes of conduct at national and supranational levels. This article zooms in on the institutions that are supposed to translate these overall policies and guidelines into workable and recognizable structures for researchers, that is, the mediating layer between the policy articulations and the individual researchers and research groups; a perspective which has been notably lacking in the literature on research integrity. Document analysis demonstrated how research organizations translated and integrated demands for research integrity measures differently, and interviews explored how department heads made sense of these organizational efforts. Results show that department heads did not seem to use organizational policies in their sensemaking around research integrity. To a much larger degree, they used disciplinary norms, systemic pressures and other cues to construct the meaning of integrity. The heads of department articulated integrity as a "non-problem" in their own local context, rather, it was other departments and other countries that experienced lack of research integrity. This meant that the origin of the problem of integrity is located in the system, but to a large extent the department heads describe the solution of the problem to be in the culture of research. The implications of this dis-location and externalizing of integrity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Degn
- The Danish Centre for Studies in Research and Research Policy, Department of Political Science and Government, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Århus, Denmark.
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43
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Alba S, Verdonck K, Lenglet A, Rumisha SF, Wienia M, Teunissen I, Straetemans M, Mendoza W, Jeannetot D, Weibel D, Mayanja-Kizza H, Juvekar S. Bridging research integrity and global health epidemiology (BRIDGE) statement: guidelines for good epidemiological practice. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e003236. [PMID: 33115859 PMCID: PMC7594207 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research integrity and research fairness have gained considerable momentum in the past decade and have direct implications for global health epidemiology. Research integrity and research fairness principles should be equally nurtured to produce high-quality impactful research-but bridging the two can lead to practical and ethical dilemmas. In order to provide practical guidance to researchers and epidemiologist, we set out to develop good epidemiological practice guidelines specifically for global health epidemiology, targeted at stakeholders involved in the commissioning, conduct, appraisal and publication of global health research. METHODS We developed preliminary guidelines based on targeted online searches on existing best practices for epidemiological studies and sought to align these with key elements of global health research and research fairness. We validated these guidelines through a Delphi consultation study, to reach a consensus among a wide representation of stakeholders. RESULTS A total of 45 experts provided input on the first round of e-Delphi consultation and 40 in the second. Respondents covered a range of organisations (including for example academia, ministries, NGOs, research funders, technical agencies) involved in epidemiological studies from countries around the world (Europe: 19; Africa: 10; North America: 7; Asia: 5; South-America: 3 Australia: 1). A selection of eight experts were invited for a face-to-face meeting. The final guidelines consist of a set of 6 standards and 42 accompanying criteria including study preparation, protocol development, data collection, data management, data analysis, dissemination and communication. CONCLUSION While guidelines will not by themselves guard global health from questionable and unfair research practices, they are certainly part of a concerted effort to ensure not only mutual accountability between individual researchers, their institutions and their funders but most importantly their joint accountability towards the communities they study and society at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Alba
- Health, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Annick Lenglet
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susan F Rumisha
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martijn Wienia
- NWO-WOTRO Science for Global Development, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Imre Teunissen
- Health, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Daniel Jeannetot
- Health, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Sanjay Juvekar
- Vadu Rural Health Program, KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, India
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Vie KJ. How should researchers cope with the ethical demands of discovering research misconduct? Going beyond reporting and whistleblowing. LIFE SCIENCES, SOCIETY AND POLICY 2020; 16:6. [PMID: 32761302 PMCID: PMC7409624 DOI: 10.1186/s40504-020-00102-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, I will argue that making it mandatory to report research misconduct is too demanding, as this kind of intervention can at times be self-destructive for the researcher reporting the misconduct. I will also argue that posing the question as a binary dilemma masks important ethical aspects of such situations. In situations that are too demanding for individual researchers to rectify through reporting, there can be other forms of social control available. I will argue that researchers should explore these. Finally, framing the issue as a question about the responsibilities of individual researchers masks the responsibilities of research institutions. Until institutions introduce measures that make this safe and effective, we should not consider reporting research misconduct mandatory. I will discuss this in light of both quantitative and qualitative data gathered as part of a survey in the PRINTEGER-project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Jørgen Vie
- Work Research Institute - Oslo Metropolitan University, Stensberggt. 26, Oslo, Norway.
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Were E, Kaguiri E, Kiplagat J. Perceptions of occurrence of research misconduct and related factors among Kenyan investigators engaged in HIV research. Account Res 2020; 27:372-389. [PMID: 32324050 PMCID: PMC10743017 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2020.1759425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We report on occurrence and correlates of self-reported research misconduct (RM) by 100 Kenyan researchers who had received ethics approval for an HIV research in the 5 years preceding the survey. The survey used the Scientific Misconduct Questionnaire-Revised tool uploaded on a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCAP) platform. The response rate was low at 17.3% (100 out of 577) with 53.9% reporting awareness of an incident of RM in the preceding 5 years. Awareness was associated with being in academia, perception of vulnerability to being caught, and the severity of possible punishment, if discovered. Two-thirds (68.3%) reported ever-involvement in any misconduct. Self-report of involvement in misconduct was associated with knowledge of rules and procedures on RM and a disposition to support such rules and regulations. Nearly 36% reported ever-involvement infabrication, falsification and/or plagiarism (FFP). Self-report of ever-involvement in FFP was associated with number of years in the academic position, perceived likelihood of being caught, and the perceived severity of the sanctions, if caught. We conclude that the occurrence of RM is not uncommon, and efforts to create awareness about RM as well as to establish institutional structures and policies on RM are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Were
- Department of Reproductive Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Eunice Kaguiri
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
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Valkenburg G, Dix G, Tijdink J, de Rijcke S. Making researchers responsible: attributions of responsibility and ambiguous notions of culture in research codes of conduct. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:56. [PMID: 32635905 PMCID: PMC7339540 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research codes of conduct offer guidance to researchers with respect to which values should be realized in research practices, how these values are to be realized, and what the respective responsibilities of the individual and the institution are in this. However, the question of how the responsibilities are to be divided between the individual and the institution has hitherto received little attention. We therefore performed an analysis of research codes of conduct to investigate how responsibilities are positioned as individual or institutional, and how the boundary between the two is drawn. Method We selected 12 institutional, national and international codes of conduct that apply to medical research in the Netherlands and subjected them to a close-reading content analysis. We first identified the dominant themes and then investigated how responsibility is attributed to individuals and institutions. Results We observed that the attribution of responsibility to either the individual or the institution is often not entirely clear, and that the notion of culture emerges as a residual category for such attributions. We see this notion of responsible research cultures as important; it is something that mediates between the individual level and the institutional level. However, at the same time it largely lacks substantiation. Conclusions While many attributions of individual and institutional responsibility are clear, the exact boundary between the two is often problematic. We suggest two possible avenues for improving codes of conduct: either to clearly attribute responsibilities to individuals or institutions and depend less on the notion of culture, or to make culture a more explicit concern and articulate what it is and how a good culture might be fostered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govert Valkenburg
- Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands. .,Present Address: Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture, Faculty of Humanities, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Guus Dix
- Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Joeri Tijdink
- Department of Medical Humanities, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Philosophy, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sarah de Rijcke
- Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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Yeo-Teh NSL, Tang BL. Research ethics courses as a vaccination against a toxic research environment or culture. RESEARCH ETHICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1747016120926686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hofmann and Holm’s (2019) recent survey on issues of research misconduct with PhD graduates culminated with a notable conclusion by the authors: ‘ Scientific misconduct seems to be an environmental issue as much as a matter of personal integrity’. Here, we re-emphasise the usefulness of an education-based countermeasure against toxic research environments or cultures that promote unethical practices amongst the younger researchers. We posit that an adequately conducted course in research ethics and integrity, with a good dose of case studies and analyses, can function in a manner that is metaphorically akin to vaccination. The training would cultivate the ability to analyse and build confidence in young researchers in making decisions with sound moral reasoning as well as in speaking up or arguing against pressure and coercions into unacceptable behaviour. A sufficiently large number of young researchers exposed to research ethics trainings would essentially provide a research community some degree of lasting herd immunity at its broadest base. Beyond passive immunity, a crop of research ethics-savvy young researchers could also play active and influential roles as role models for others at their level and perhaps even help correct the wayward attitudes of some senior researchers and initiate prompt action from institutional policy makers in a bottom-up manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bor Luen Tang
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering and National University of Singapore, Singapore
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van den Hoven M, Krom A. Empowerment and Conceptual Clarity in Research Integrity : Comment to David Shaw, The Quest for Clarity in Research Integrity: A Conceptual Schema, Sci Eng Ethics (2019) 25: 1085-1093. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2020; 26:1883-1884. [PMID: 31965428 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-020-00179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andre Krom
- Ethics Institute, Utrecht University, Janskerkhof 13, 3512 BL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Yi N, Nemery B, Dierickx K. Perceptions of plagiarism by biomedical researchers: an online survey in Europe and China. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:44. [PMID: 32487190 PMCID: PMC7268401 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00473-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plagiarism is considered as serious research misconduct, together with data fabrication and falsification. However, little is known about biomedical researchers' views on plagiarism. Moreover, it has been argued - based on limited empirical evidence - that perceptions of plagiarism depend on cultural and other determinants. The authors explored, by means of an online survey among 46 reputable universities in Europe and China, how plagiarism is perceived by biomedical researchers in both regions. METHODS We collected work e-mail addresses of biomedical researchers identified through the websites of 13 reputable universities in Europe and 33 reputable universities in China and invited them to participate in an online anonymous survey. Our questionnaire was designed to assess respondents' views about plagiarism by asking whether they considered specific practices as plagiarism. We analyzed if respondents in China and Europe responded differently, using logistic regression analysis with adjustments for demographic and other relevant factors. RESULTS The authors obtained valid responses from 204 researchers based in China (response rate 2.1%) and 826 researchers based in Europe (response rate 5.6%). Copying text from someone else's publication without crediting the source, using idea(s) from someone else's publication without crediting the source and republishing one's own work in another language without crediting the source were considered as plagiarism by 98, 67 and 64%, respectively. About one-third of the respondents reported to have been unsure whether they had been plagiarizing. Overall, the pattern of responses was similar among respondents based in Europe and China. Nevertheless, for some items significant differences did occur in disadvantage of Chinese respondents. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that nearly all biomedical researchers understand (and disapprove of) the most obvious forms of plagiarism, but uncertainties and doubts were apparent for many aspects. And the minority of researchers who did not recognize some types of plagiarism as plagiarism was larger among China-based respondents than among Europe-based respondents. The authors conclude that biomedical researchers need clearer working definitions of plagiarism in order to deal with grey zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Yi
- Department of Medical Humanities, School of Humanities, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189 China
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kris Dierickx
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Azakir B, Mobarak H, Al Najjar S, El Naga AA, Mashaal N. Knowledge and attitudes of physicians toward research ethics and scientific misconduct in Lebanon. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:39. [PMID: 32410707 PMCID: PMC7227247 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00475-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the implementation of codes and declarations of medical research ethics, unethical behavior is still reported among researchers. Most of the medical faculties have included topics related to medical research ethics and developed ethical committees; yet, in some cases, unethical behaviors are still observed, and many obstacles are still conferring to applying these guidelines. Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted by interviewing randomly selected 331 Lebanese physicians across Lebanon, to assess their awareness, knowledge and attitudes on practice regarding international and national research ethics guidelines (Lebanese decrees/Laws and CNRS chart of ethics) and scientific misconduct and misbehaviors. Results Our results revealed that although majority of participants declared familiar with ethical principles governing research that involves human subjects (79.5%), the overall mean score achieved on their knowledge questions was 46%. Only 27.4% are aware of the presence of the Lebanese National Consultative Committee on Ethics (LNCCE), with only half of them aware of its functions and only 25.7% know about the charter of ethics and guiding principles of scientific research in Lebanon. Significant higher levels of research ethics knowledge were recorded among Ph.D. degree-holding subjects, higher university positions as in professors, research ethics trainings-attendees, and physicians with prior research experience. A significant correlation was observed between knowledge of research ethics principles and positive attitudes toward research ethics principles. Noteworthy, we found that more than one third of participants have reported witnessing scientific misconduct and misbehaviors at some period of their careers. Conclusions The presence of low mean awareness levels regarding research ethical principles among the study population of physicians and high levels of perception of scientific misconduct raises concern on the importance of implementing proper training for physicians on research ethics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Azakir
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Mobarak
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sami Al Najjar
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Najlaa Mashaal
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon.
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