STEMskiller: Skill Set Map for Mentors of Early Career Researchers
RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP: Ethics
Academic ethics and integrity: concepts and definitions
Definition:
Ethics and integrity underpin the scientific endeavor, but many early career researchers are unfamiliar with these concepts if not introduced to them by mentors or in their prior studies.
Useful resources on Concepts and definitions of academic ethics:
National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. (2009). On being a scientist: A guide to responsible conduct in research: Third edition. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12192
Freely available textbook (PDF or read online) that “describes the ethical foundations of scientific practices and some of the personal and professional issues that researchers encounter in their work. It applies to all forms of research—whether in academic, industrial, or governmental settings—and to all scientific disciplines.” Includes content that can be used for individual reading and/or group discussion as well as a case study discussion guide and “Additional Resources” (use the online text Contents to navigate sections).
Stern, J.E. & Elliott, D. (1997). The ethics of scientific research: A guidebook for course development. University Press of New England. https://www.bu.edu/researchsupport/files/2016/09/RCR-The-Ethics-of-Scientific-Research-A-Guidebook-for-Course-Development.pdf
Comprehensive guide to creating courses on scientific research ethics. Includes sample course content and lists of possible reading materials grouped by ethical area—while older, the groupings and suggested readings are still useful for course developers.
Tags: PSR ER; CompGS
Peer Review: None
Table of contents:
- 1.8. Ethics
1.8.1. Ethics and integrity: concepts and definitions
Author: Stephanie Krueger
Peer Reviewer(s): None
Last Updated: November 4, 2022