Institute of Medicine. On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible
Conduct in Research: Third Edition.
Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2009
https://doi.org/10.17226/12192.
This PDF is available at http://nap.nationalacademies.org/12192.
The National Academies offers free downloads for personal and/or noncommercial academic use. This publication presents only a short guide to the traditional ethical standards but does so through the complex lens of our current research arena.1 The group published this guide as it recognizes that no one seminar or course can adequately prepare the doctoral student or novice researcher. In addition, they acknowledge the fact that many experienced researchers may use this guide as a teaching tool, to generate discussion throughout the study, or to gain new insights. The format starts with the basic concepts of responsible conduct of research and continues to guide the reader through critical steps of the research process. Specific chapters discuss common mistakes and conundrums in case study format. Additional references and resources list resemble what is commonly seen in a research course syllabus, with an emphasis on ethical decision-making and avoiding pitfalls at each stage of the study.
This guide expands on the basic requirements of research readiness and sets up a forum for continued learning and discussion among colleagues, research teams, and academics. The appendix contains many print and electronic resources, including links for the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative Course in the Responsible Conduct of Research (https://www.citiprogram.org/rcrpage.asp). Although this online certification course is often the starting point for research education, it is usually offered in combination with graduate course work, research team preparation, or some type of professional mentoring program. This guide offers similar supportive discussion and resources.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
The authors build their discussions on the concept that researchers have 3 sets of obligations that motivate their adherence to professional standards. First, researchers have an obligation to honor the trust that their colleagues place in them. Second, researchers have an obligation to themselves. Third, because scientific results greatly influence society, researchers have an obligation to act in ways that serve the public.1
EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE FOR THE RESEARCH TEAM
The publication offers definitions, case studies, and chapters on the ethical treatment of data, advising and mentoring, mistakes and negligence, and research misconduct. Examples and resources on how to respond to violations of professional standards are offered in a nonpunitive manner. Additional chapters address dissemination of study findings and direct the reader to consider the details of authorship, permissions, conflicts of interest, and copyright of data and published work.
This short 63-page monograph is an excellent tool to add to a research readiness learning packet. It may be used to adjunct course work or to simulate discussion at an organization level as a research teams adds new members and provides continuing education, or to inspire shared communication among colleagues.
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