Science Ethics and Conflicts Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential consequence of scientists conducting for-profit business activities?

Conflict of effort impacting scheduled duties (correct)

Increased funding for research projects

Enhanced objectivity in research outcomes

Improved collaboration with corporate entities

Which of the following best describes a conflict of interest?

When ethical considerations affect research direction

When research demands exceed available time

When a scientist has personal financial ties influencing their research (correct)

When there is a disagreement among research collaborators

What is a primary concern regarding scientists receiving travel expenses from pharmaceutical companies?

It may enhance their professional network

It provides opportunities for knowledge sharing

It could lead to bias in their research findings (correct)

It generally increases scientific credibility

How do mutual funds generally differ from common stock in terms of ownership?

Common stocks represent ownership in individual companies, whereas mutual funds pool investments in various stocks Signup and view all the answers

What is a common conflict of conscience that scientists might encounter?

Rejecting research that requires fetal tissues based on personal beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Why might a journal choose to eliminate editorial board members from corporate entities?

To enhance objectivity and integrity in the review process Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility do scientist-consultants generally have regarding their consulting services?

To disclose agreements to their employers Signup and view all the answers

What might be a sign of a conflict of effort for a predoctoral student?

Frequent absences from campus and scheduled duties Signup and view all the answers

What role should scientist-consultants avoid in relation to proposals submitted by their consulting companies?

Participating as evaluators Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concern regarding editor board members in the context of peer review?

They may favor manuscripts that are aligned with their personal interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes a rule that most state and federal agencies have regarding employment relationships?

Immediate family members cannot be hired or supervised by the same individual. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the financial conflict of interest considerations when evaluating grant proposals?

Having a major stock holding in the evaluated organization. Signup and view all the answers

What potential conflict might a postdoctoral trainee experience?

The need to publish findings that contradict their advisor's work. Signup and view all the answers

How do mutual funds differ from common stock concerning financial investment?

Common stocks represent ownership in specific companies, while mutual funds invest in a diversified portfolio. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a rationale for a journal to exclude corporate reviewers from its peer review process?

To promote transparency and reduce potential conflicts of interest. Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline helps in avoiding conflicts of interest for grant reviewers?

Reviewers should refrain from reviewing submissions from organizations with which they have a direct financial connection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold for a significant financial interest that must be disclosed?

$5,000 Signup and view all the answers

Who is obligated to develop policies for the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest?

All U.S. institutions receiving federal funds for research Signup and view all the answers

Which individuals are covered under the regulations concerning conflicts of interest?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What type of travel expenses do not need to be disclosed?

Travel sponsored by government agencies Signup and view all the answers

What information must be disclosed regarding travel paid by an entity?

Name of entity, purpose, destination, and duration Signup and view all the answers

Which party is responsible for managing conflicts of interest according to institutional policies?

The investigator and the institution Signup and view all the answers

Which situation would not require disclosure under institutional policies?

Receipt of income from a government agency Signup and view all the answers

For which type of grant program might PHS regulations apply?

Non-PHS grant programs depending on terms and conditions Signup and view all the answers

What potential conflict might Andre face by accepting a position at Leaper Enterprises?

He may inadvertently use confidential techniques from Dr. Zinderoff’s lab. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements describes a conflict of interest in scientific research?

Taking an equity interest in a company related to the research. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a journal choose to eliminate editorial board members from corporate entities?

To minimize bias in the review process. Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic that differentiates a mutual fund from common stock ownership?

Mutual funds involve a pooled investment strategy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically required to be disclosed by PHS-funded researchers?

Income from mutual funds. Signup and view all the answers

What would be a possible benefit for a research institution accepting an equity position in a start-up?

Providing encouragement to the scientist-entrepreneur. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario describes a restriction placed on scientists regarding corporate funding?

Scientists may not receive funding if they are equity owners in the corporation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains how monetary interests in common stocks and mutual funds differ?

Mutual funds involve a diversified investment approach. Signup and view all the answers

What main ethical concern arises from Dr. Jonas's role on the editorial board when reviewing the manuscript?

Potential bias in her review due to competition with her own manuscript. Signup and view all the answers

Which action taken by Dr. Jonas could be considered an ethical conflict of interest?

Requesting to review the revised manuscript after her own is submitted. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue does Dr. Prasad face due to his investments in biomedical companies?

Conflict of interest due to financial stakes in the company developing a candidate drug. Signup and view all the answers

What serious findings did Dr. Prasad discover during his review of the candidate drug?

Serious nuclear aberrations in bone marrow and gonadal tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What would have been a more ethical course of action for Dr. Jonas upon receiving the competing manuscript?

Inform the editorial board of her competing interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Dr. Prasad's situation as it relates to the ethical obligations of a consultant?

His financial interest may impair his objectivity in consulting. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of recommendations did Dr. Jonas make regarding the manuscript after her review?

Major revisions recommended before consideration. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of Dr. Prasad's discovery about the drug?

Dr. Prasad may be required to reassess his initial findings. Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action did Dr. Prasad take in response to the serious findings about the candidate drug?

He notified his investment counselor to sell all his stocks in the company. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical obligation is most crucial for Dr. Prasad regarding his consulting role?

To maintain confidentiality and avoid using confidential findings for personal investment decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a potential harm to third parties related to Dr. Prasad's actions?

Investors in the biomedical company could face financial losses. Signup and view all the answers

What could be considered a perceived conflict of interest for Dr. Prasad?

Serving on advisory panels while holding stock in biomedical companies. Signup and view all the answers

What key factor likely influenced Dr. Prasad's decision to act against the company's interests?

His professional duty to ensure safety and integrity in medical research. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for entering data directly into the data book as soon as it becomes available?

To avoid the risk of losing loose sheets of paper Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline is crucial for presenting calculations in the data book?

Calculations must be explained and justified Signup and view all the answers

How should tables and graphs be represented in the data book?

They must be clearly labeled and organized Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when writing discussions of experimental results?

Making misleading comments about the experiment Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal placement for conclusions in an experimental write-up?

As the last entry to logically conclude the write-up Signup and view all the answers

What common misstep should researchers avoid regarding materials not included in the data book?

Failing to identify their storage location Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of photographic materials should be adhered to when affixing them to the data book?

Only archival-quality glue or tape should be used Signup and view all the answers

What key consideration should be made regarding comments in experimental discussions?

Comments should be factual and unbiased Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the owner of the data generated under an NIH-funded research grant?

The grantee institution Signup and view all the answers

What is the required retention period for data obtained under an NIH grant?

3 years beyond the final financial report Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good data book?

Contains incomplete data entries Signup and view all the answers

What role do scientific records play in investigations of research misconduct?

They serve as the ultimate record of scientific contributions Signup and view all the answers

How do state laws regarding data retention generally affect NIH requirements?

State laws usually take precedence over federal laws Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of sloppy and incomplete record-keeping in scientific research?

It could disqualify the researcher from future funding Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes a properly backed-up data book?

It is accessible only to authorized persons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component that good data books should include?

Clear statements about all interpretations made Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of documenting all laboratory activities, both successful and unsuccessful?

It assists in the accurate reconstruction of activities by other researchers. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in a laboratory notebook to ensure proper linkage with electronic records?

Names and locations of the electronic records. Signup and view all the answers

Which measure can help ensure the quality of laboratory records?

Weekly or monthly documented reviews by a supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for the safekeeping of laboratory records?

Maintaining copies in an alternate secure location. Signup and view all the answers

How should electronic records be protected to ensure their authenticity?

By using write-protection and time-stamping. Signup and view all the answers

In what language did Ming Shu initially record her observations, complicating their review?

Chinese. Signup and view all the answers

What should a written laboratory notebook ultimately include regarding electronic files?

All electronic file names and detailed location references. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential downside of relying solely on electronic record-keeping?

It might result in less comprehensive data collection. Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in the laboratory data book for each experiment?

A brief yet instructive statement of the purpose of the experiment Signup and view all the answers

How should methods that deviate from standard procedures be documented?

All changes must be precisely indicated, with modifications written in detail Signup and view all the answers

What information about biological materials should be recorded in the data book?

Specific properties like genotypes and phenotypes, along with their source Signup and view all the answers

When is it acceptable to reference previously documented materials and methods?

Assuming no changes in methodology are made in future runs of the same experiment Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario should extraordinary explanations be provided in the data book?

When the observation is complex and requires detailed descriptions Signup and view all the answers

What should be documented regarding the storage of data in a laboratory data book?

A description of the storage system and its coding scheme Signup and view all the answers

What is an important detail to include about specialized chemicals in the data book?

The grade, sources, and lot numbers of the chemicals Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to provide a thorough description of any new methods used in experiments?

To ensure future replicability of the experiments Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum overall class grade required to pass the course?

77% Signup and view all the answers

Which learning outcome focuses on understanding the implications of the mentor-trainee relationship in research?

Describe responsibilities in the scientific mentor-trainee relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What combination of instructional strategies is employed in this course?

Didactic instruction and active learning methods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a topic covered in the responsible conduct of research?

Research funding sources Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the overall grade is allocated for quizzes in the course?

30% Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of research ethics involves managing the use and welfare of animals and humans?

Responsible use and welfare in experimentations Signup and view all the answers

Which course learning outcome addresses the ethical dilemmas encountered in research?

To integrate ethical concepts into research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method students are expected to engage in as part of their learning strategies?

Active participation and pre-class preparation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of familiarizing with relevant written guidelines in research ethics?

To ensure compliance with academic honor standards. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT typically govern the ownership of intellectual property in scientific research?

Personal beliefs of researchers. Signup and view all the answers

What role does effective data management play in scientific research?

It enhances the reliability and reproducibility of findings. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does understanding conventions and normative behavior benefit the mentor-trainee relationship?

It clarifies roles and expectations in the research environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of responsible scientific conduct is most directly impacted by ethical dilemmas?

The integrity of the research process. Signup and view all the answers

Why is active learning emphasized in the instructional strategies of the course?

It enhances retention and application of ethical concepts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum overall class grade a student must achieve to pass the course?

77% Signup and view all the answers

In regards to scientific authorship, which statement is considered ethically correct?

All individuals who contributed significantly should receive authorship credit. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conflict of Conscience

Scientists face ethical dilemmas that may clash with their personal beliefs.

Conflict of Effort

Scientists may face challenges when their time commitments extend beyond their assigned duties.
For example, a predoctoral or postdoctoral trainee might be offered a lucrative consulting position.
This could lead to a conflict with their research responsibilities and academic duties.
Management of this conflict can be achieved through open communication between the trainee and their supervisor, establishing clear expectations of time management and prioritizing academic responsibilities.

Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs when a scientist's personal interests, such as financial gains or professional alliances, may compromise their objectivity in research or professional activities.

Equity Interests

Public institutions have restrictions on scientists who are entrepreneurs and equity owners in companies that receive grants or contracts from their universities.

Disclosure Requirements for Publicly Funded Research

All U.S. institutions receiving federal funds for research are required to develop policies and procedures for disclosing potential conflicts of interest.
The regulations apply not only to the institution but also to sub-recipient organizations, and they encompass individuals defined as "investigators."
These regulations may extend to collaborators, consultants, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other individuals involved in the research.
PHS regulations might apply to non-PHS grant programs, depending on the program's terms and conditions and the institution's policies.
Essential disclosures include income related to intellectual property rights, travel expenses, and any other interests required by the institution's policies.

Case Studies

Andre Cesar faces a potential conflict of interest when offered a position at Leaper Enterprises, a competitor to the company sponsoring his mentor's research.
Dr. Cecilia Jonas potentially compromises her objectivity by reviewing a manuscript similar to her own, which conflicts with her role as an editorial board member.
Dr. Rudee Prasad encounters a conflict of interest as a toxicological consultant for a company in which he has significant investments. He discovers potential safety concerns with a drug under development, creating a dilemma between his financial interest and his professional responsibility for patient safety.

Managing Conflicts of Interest

Many journals require authors and reviewers to disclose their financial interests.
Grant review panels and advisory boards have established conflict-of-interest guidelines, such as excluding individuals with financial interests in the product or company under review.
Institutions receiving federal funds for research are required to develop policies addressing potential conflicts of interest.

Financial Conflicts

Common stocks and mutual funds can both create financial conflicts of interest, requiring disclosure of any significant holdings.
Scientists should consult their university's conflict of interest guidelines for specific details and requirements.

Data Ownership and Retention

The grantee institution owns the data generated by NIH-funded research
The principal investigator nor any member of the research team owns the data
NIH requires data retention for 3 years beyond the final financial expenditure report
Data retention requirements may vary for public and private funding agencies
State laws regarding the retention of data may override federal laws
The Commonwealth of Virginia has a 5-year data retention requirement

Good Data Books

Legible and written in ballpoint pen ink
Well organized and up-to-date
Accurate and complete
Include data output affixed to pages
Allow repetition of experiments
Compliant with relevant funding agency and institutional requirements
Accessible to authorized persons, stored properly, and appropriately backed up
Properly witnessed when necessary
Properly recognized as the property of the institution
The ultimate record of scientific contributions

Investigation of Allegations of Research Misconduct

The record should describe all the researcher's activities, not just successful ones
Written laboratory notebook should reference electronic records with enough detail to be able to locate them
Regular (weekly or monthly) laboratory notebook review by a supervisor or faculty advisor should be documented
All laboratory records should be maintained in a secure manner and backed up with copies stored in an alternate location

Electronic Record Keeping

Computer-assisted record-keeping should involve printing all electronic files and affixing them to the pages of a traditional data book
An official procedure for the lab's electronic record-keeping process should be developed and communicated to all users
The storage location and organization of electronic records should be clearly defined
Storage should ideally be on servers that are password-protected
Electronic files should be write-protected, using read-only permission for anyone accessing research data files
All electronic files should be time stamped
A record of the name and location of the digital file should be described in the data book

Scientific Record Keeping: Data Book Format

If an observation requires a complex explanation, it should be described in detail
The same is true for interpretations and plans for additional work
Presentation and detail must be complete and comprehensible
Each experiment should begin with a brief statement of its purpose, whether routine or not
Descriptions of any methods not found in the laboratory's central manual should be included
The appropriate literature from which methods are derived should be cited
Deviations from referenced procedures must be precisely indicated
The grade, sources, and lot numbers of specialized chemicals, reagents, and enzymes should all be recorded
The name, address, and phone number of the supplier should be included if there is any question about name recognition
Specific information on properties and source should be recorded for biological materials such as cell lines, bacterial strains, or animals
Each repeat of an experiment should be written up separately
It is acceptable to record materials and methods with appropriate detail and completeness the first time the experiment is performed, and to refer back to the first experiment if there is no methodology change in future runs

Scientific Record Keeping: Data Book Observations and Results

Data should be recorded directly in the data book as soon as available
Original data recorded in hand script should always be entered directly into the data book
Data should never be written on loose sheets of paper and then transcribed later into the data book
The data book should contain all renderings of the data, including calculations and organized presentations such as tables and graphs created using the data
Calculations should be explained
Tables and graphs should be clearly labeled
Photographic materials should be affixed to the page using archival-quality glue or tape
Any related materials not included in the data book should be catalogued, and their location identified

Scientific Record Keeping: Data Book Discussion and Conclusion

Each experiment should be discussed following the recording of observations and calculations
Discussion comments may be entered at various places in the experimental write-up
It is appropriate to include comments that capture impressions and interpretations at various places in the written experiment
Investigators are cautioned against using phrases like “the experiment failed” or describing a yield as “no good”
The last entry in the completed write-up of the experiment should state the conclusions of the work
This should be done even if it repeats comments previously written into the data book
Conclusion logically belong at the end of the experiment

Course Overview

PHS601: Ethics, Responsible Conduct of Research
Taught by Keykavous Parang
Room 203, 9501 Jeronimo Road

Course Learning Outcomes

Familiarize students with written guidelines for responsible scientific conduct.
Cover topics like authorship, use of humans and animals, academic honor standards, conflict of interest, and general standards of scientific conduct.
Introduce statutes related to intellectual property ownership, protection, and use in scientific research.
Help students understand conventions and norms in scientific mentorship and training relationships.
Explain conventions of scientific record keeping.
Teach students to evaluate and manage potential conflicts of interest.
Enable students to identify and address ethical dilemmas in their research.

Course Content

Responsible conduct of research
Data management
Authorship and peer review
Collaborative work
Scientific record keeping
Responsible use and welfare of animals and humans in biomedical experimentation
Conflict of Interest

Instructional and Learning Strategies

Combines didactic lectures and case studies
Requires active learning both inside and outside of the classroom
Students are expected to complete assigned activities before attending class sessions.

Course Grade

Class participation: 15%
Quizzes: 30%
Final Exam: 55%

Grade Assignment

A: 95.0-100
A-: 90.0-94.9
B+: 87.0-89.9
B: 84.0-86.9
B-: 80.0-83.9
C+: 77.0-79.9
C: 74.0-76.9
C-: 70.0-73.9
F: Below 70.0
A passing grade (≥ 77%) is required to pass the course.

Course Overview

PHS601: Ethics, Responsible Conduct of Research
Covers ethical considerations in scientific research including responsible conduct of research, data management, authorship, peer review, collaborative work, scientific record keeping, responsible use and welfare of animals and humans in biomedical experimentations, conflict of interest

Course Learning Outcomes

Become familiar with written guidelines on conducting scientific research, including scientific authorship, use of animals and humans in research, academic honor standards, conflict of interest, and general standards of scientific conduct
Understand statutes governing ownership, protection, and use of intellectual property in scientific research
Describe conventions and normative behavior in the mentor-trainee relationship
Describe conventions of scientific record keeping
Evaluate the potential impact of conflicts of interest and how to manage them as a researcher
Identify and appropriately address ethical dilemmas and integrate these concepts into their research

Instructional and Learning Strategies

Combines didactic lectures and case studies
Requires active learning in and outside the classroom
Students are expected to have completed assigned activities (e.g., reading materials or cases, completing practices) before class sessions

Course Grade

In class participation 15%
Quizzes 30%
Final Exam 55%
A grade of ≥77% is required to pass the course
Grading scale: A (95-100), A- (90-94.9), B+ (87-89.9), B (84-86.9), B- (80-83.9), C+ (77-79.9), C (74-76.9), C- (70-73.9), F (below 70)

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Description

Test your understanding of the ethical dilemmas scientists face, including conflicts of conscience, effort, and interest. This quiz examines how personal beliefs and external commitments can challenge the integrity of scientific work. Explore various scenarios where these conflicts may arise and learn about the importance of management and communication in addressing them.