Survey Suggests Scientific Misconduct is Common

One-third of a sample of 3,000 scientists reported that they had engaged in unethical actions such as overlooking others' use of flawed data, failing to present data contradicting their own work, and circumventing minor requirements of human-subject research. The survey examined the top 10 behaviors identified as potentially punishable by university compliance officers; these behaviors undermine the quality of science.

Many scientists see inequities in science in terms of obtaining grants, publishing papers, and earning promotions. Scientists who perceived injustice in the system were more likely to report misbehaving. The authors conclude that universities must train graduate students and faculty about research ethics, appropriate research behavior, and how to preserve the integrity of science. Read the article, from Nature.