Researchers Call For the Release of Findings of a Misconduct Investigation
From The Embassy of Good Science
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Researchers Call For the Release of Findings of a Misconduct Investigation
What is this about?
This factual case is about a psychologist who committed scientific misconduct and describes the investigation into this misconduct by his institution. The institution refuses to release details on this case. This provokes the fear by scientists that the case may cause harm to the whole field of research rather than only to the individual researcher.
Why is this important?
With cases of scientific misconduct such as these, it is important that details about the investigation are given. As mentioned by scientists commenting on the case, the refusal to communicate the details of the case at hand may discredit the entire research field of the scientist under investigation by instigating rumors. In addition, denying to openly share the details of the investigation renders all findings of the accused scientist unusable, as scientist cannot distinguish the reliable outcomes from the untrustworthy ones. Thus, details should be disclosed to prevent the unnecessary loss of precious research funding and to preserve the reputation of the research field and the investigation itself.
