Responsible Research Conduct and Ethics

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of a well-crafted research question?

It should be broad and vague.

It focuses on multiple topics at once.

It must be measurable and investigable. (correct)

It typically has only one potential answer.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a strong research question?

Invites a simple yes or no answer. (correct)

Is relevant to the field of study.

Requires analysis rather than mere description.

Allows for several potential answers.

Why is it important for a research question to be specific rather than broad?

Specific questions are difficult to address within time limits.

Specific questions lead to clearer, more focused answers. (correct)

Narrow questions make developing strong arguments challenging.

Broad questions allow easier data collection.

What should researchers do first when developing a research question?

Identify subtopics within the broader subject. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is critical when considering the relevance of a research question?

It should be measurable and investigable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of asking too narrow research questions?

They may not contribute to scientific knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

In research, what is the benefit of focusing on a singular topic rather than several?

It enables a deeper exploration of the topic. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect should NOT be a priority when drafting research questions?

Identifying personal biases in the research. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of publishing positive and negative results in scientific research?

To advance scientific research overall Signup and view all the answers

What should a scientific research question primarily focus on?

A clear and singular major focus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is essential when handling human subject data?

Minimize harm while maximizing benefits Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers ensure that they are not conducting wasteful and duplicative publications?

By performing multiple literature searches Signup and view all the answers

In the context of developing a scientific research question, what is a crucial first step?

Conducting an initial literature search Signup and view all the answers

What principle should govern the ethical treatment of animals in research?

Respect and care, avoiding unnecessary harm Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended method for identifying well-understood aspects of a research area?

Finding recent review articles from reliable sources Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a consideration in the ethical conduct of research?

Researchers should promote social good and mitigate potential harm. Signup and view all the answers

How can narrowing down a research topic enhance the investigation process?

It allows for a more focused examination of specific variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of question is recommended for effectively analyzing an issue?

Open-ended questions that start with 'How' or 'Why'. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of forming a scientific hypothesis?

To present a formal prediction about a phenomenon. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to write an effective purpose statement in research?

It guides the investigation towards specific findings. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is crucial when revising a research question?

To include casual factors and specific contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of identifying a broader subject of interest when starting research?

It enhances the understanding of overarching themes. Signup and view all the answers

How should one approach the formulation of research questions based on data?

Develop questions that facilitate deeper exploration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes an open-ended research question?

It invites exploration of complex and multifaceted issues. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Responsible Research Conduct

Researchers should always respect intellectual property and give credit to others' work.
They should safeguard confidential information, including patient and participant data.
Publish both positive and negative research findings to advance science, not just individual careers.
Researchers should avoid unnecessary duplication of research.
Discrimination based on factors unrelated to scientific competence and integrity is unacceptable.
Promote social good, mitigate potential harms, and advocate for responsible research.
Obey relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.
Treat animals ethically and minimize harm in animal research.
Conduct research on human subjects ethically, respecting their dignity, privacy, and autonomy.
All data usage should be declared transparently.

Scientific Research Proposal: Developing the Question and Hypothesis

Initial Literature Search: Start by exploring 2-3 areas of interest in science to identify potential data sources.
Perform extensive literature searches to understand the well-established knowledge and current research in those areas. Focus on recent review articles published in reputable specialized journals.
Scientific Research Question:
- A clear, specific, and focused question developed from a thorough review of scientific literature.
- It should analyze data and the issue being investigated, use scientific terminology, and guide the research direction.
Characteristics of a Good Research Question:
- Clearly state the researcher's objective.
- Be neither too broad nor too vague.
- Avoid overly simplistic questions that can be answered with a "yes" or "no."
- Frame the question using "how" and "why" to encourage analysis.
- Consider focusing on a specific place or time period when relevant.
Steps to Develop a Strong Research Question (University of Melbourne):
- Identify a broader area of interest based on available data or an initial interest.
- Research that topic to establish the existing literature and data.
- Narrow the topic further by asking open-ended "how" and "why" questions.
- Formulate a specific measurable question that can be investigated and answered.
- Create a purpose statement outlining the rationale for the research.
- Revise the research question based on the purpose statement, including causal factors and specific locations or timeframes.
Scientific Hypothesis:
- A formal prediction about a phenomenon.
- It should be specific, testable, and capable of being proven or disproven.
- The hypothesis should emerge from your research question.
Developing a Research Question from Preliminary Research:
- Narrow the topic:
  - Identify subtopics or areas of debate, limited research, or specific interests within the broader area.
  - Evaluate each subtopic's potential value for the project and its significance in contributing to scientific knowledge.
Avoid:
- Questions that are too broad or too narrow.
- Questions that simply ask for descriptions rather than analysis.
- Questions with limited available research materials.
- Questions that cover multiple topics superficially instead of focusing on one in depth.
Research Question Criteria:
- Have several potential answers.
- Be measurable and investigable.
- Be clearly understood by the reader.
- Be relevant to the field of study.

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Description

This quiz covers essential principles of responsible research conduct, including respect for intellectual property, ethical treatment of human and animal subjects, and the importance of transparency in data usage. It emphasizes the need for researchers to promote social good and adhere to ethical guidelines throughout their work.