Universities Experiment With Classes in Scientific Ethics

The article highlights efforts by the Council of Graduate Schools to promote research ethics. The general issue of research scandals necessitating such efforts is addressed as a whole. It is asserted that while cases of outright fraud are rare, more common are ones where scientists behave in ways considered unprofessional or ethically questionable. It is explained that U.S. federal rules require universities to police fraud, fabrication, and plagiarism in research paid for by the government, but several of the other practices, like suppressing conflicting data, are discouraged only by professional custom. Recommendations are presented, as determined by the Council of Graduate Schools, on how universities should set up effective programs to teach students to conduct research ethically.