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Ethics in Research

Ethics in research is essential in academic writing, research practice, and scientific publication. Before you write a scientific paper or conduct research, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of ethics in research. Ethos in research has several components. They include: 


  1. Authenticity and accuracy 

  2. Originality

  3. Giving credit

  4. Ethical treatment of human and animal subjects

  5. Disclosure of conflict of interests


In this article, I discuss the meaning of ethics in research and each one of these specific components. Read on to learn more. 

Woman with wires connected to her head.

What are ethics in research? 


Ethics in research refers to relying on a code of moral conduct or behavior when carrying out research. This moral conduct is made up of various aspects or components. They include 1. Authenticity and accuracy 2. Originality 3. Giving credit and 4. Ethical treatment of human and animal subjects.  


Ethics in research is necessary to ensure that the integrity of research remains intact and that human and animal subjects are not abused unnecessarily. What does that look like in the real world?


Ethics in research means that researchers or scientists won't cheat to fake results, such as faking images or results. This will protect the scientific record from being falsified. More importantly, it protects both animal and human subjects from abuse. 


Human participants are typically involved in medical trials for new drugs. Ethical guidelines ensure that human participants remain safe while taking part in these trials.


This is just among some of the advantages of ethics in research. In the remaining article, we will discuss each pillar of ethics in research. 


1. Authenticity and Accuracy


Authenticity and accuracy mean that the data produced in the process of research is authentic. The most obvious case of this is “dry-labbing.” This is where researchers just make up data without carrying out experiments or a proper methodology to collect this data. 


There are other more subtle forms of this type of deception. This includes things like:


  • Leaving out outlying points from reported data

  • Presenting figures in a misleading way 

  • Manipulating statistical methods to get desired results


Some of these errors may not be intentional. For example, a researcher who is not experienced in statistics may use statistical methods that unfairly present results. This problem can be solved by including a statistical expert from the very beginning of the experiment. 


2. Originality


Originality means that the findings in a research paper should be new. Your findings should not have appeared elsewhere in the primary literature. By primary literature, I mean literature that features in reputable peer-reviewed journals. 


Therefore, results or findings published in one paper should not be adapted for another publication. This is a strict requirement. As a matter of fact, it is so strict that you’re not even supposed to submit your manuscript for consideration to more than one journal at a time. You have to wait for the peer-review process to be completed or for rejection before you consider another journal paper. 


There are a few exceptional cases when a researcher can republish findings in a new journal. For example, if you wish to republish a paper in another language. 


3. Giving credit


Giving credit refers to citing sources whose work or ideas that you use or borrow from. This means several things:


  • Including direct quotes for quotation marks

  • Using in-text citations and references for material that has been paraphrased

  • Properly citing material that has been summarized


This means learning how to use summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting. All three require citations. Failure to properly cite the source (i.e., the person who you are borrowing material from) means that you are guilty of plagiarism.


In the case of scientific research, that is, research-based in the lab and associated with the hard sciences, long quotes are rarely used. Instead, researchers working in that field rely on summary and paraphrasing. 


Giving credit also means familiarizing yourself with the reference or citation style of specific academic style guides such as the APA, MLA, or the Chicago Manual of Style (or CMoS). In some cases, you may have to rely on the specific reference style of your target journal. 


Lastly, you have to pay careful attention to matters of authorship. Only list as authors those who qualify for authorship. You should also not leave out those who made contributions that qualified them for co-authorship. 


4. Ethical treatment of humans and animals


The ethical treatment of animals in research emphasizes minimizing harm and prioritizing animal welfare. Researchers and veterinarians should aim to use alternatives whenever possible and adhere to strict regulations. Most importantly, they should practice the 3Rs: 


  1. Replacement

  2. Reduction

  3. Refinement


Replacement means using non-animal methods if possible. Reduction involves minimizing the number of animals used, and Refinement seeks to improve care and reduce suffering. Balancing scientific benefits with ethical responsibilities is key, and ongoing dialogue helps shape humane practices.


Ethical treatment of human research participants centers on respect for individuals, justice, and beneficence. These principles are based primarily on the Belmont Report. Respect requires informed consent, ensuring participants understand the study and its risks. 


Justice mandates fair participant selection without exploiting vulnerable groups. Beneficence obligates researchers to minimize harm and maximize potential benefits.


For most research involving human and animal subjects, researchers have to seek permission from the relevant ethics committees. These committees can either be government-based bodies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This is information that has to be included in the method section of your paper. 


5. Disclosure of conflict of interests


Researchers have to disclose all conflicts of interest associated with their research. A conflict of interest in research can be defined as a situation in which an individual has interests in research outcomes that may result in personal advantage to that individual.


This may take various forms. For example, a researcher may own stock in a company responsible for manufacturing the product being studied. In some cases, they may involved with that company in another capacity, such as serving as a consultant. 


Many journals require authors to report conflicts of interest. Some journals even include checklists, which authors have to go through, while others require more general statements declaring no conflicts of interest related to the specific study. 

 

Cite this EminentEdit article

Antoine, M. (2024, November 12). Ethics in Researchhttps://www.eminentediting.com/post/ethics-in-research


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