Question

Which option gives an accurate reason why ethical guidelines are needed for the way scientific information is communicated?

(Select all that apply)
Businesses can perform and fund research studies, which potentially creates bias.

Scientific journals have a long history of publishing questionable research.

Government funding of research studies has the potential to create bias.

Poor research could potentially impact the health and welfare of the public.

Answer 1

Ethical guidelines in scientific communication are crucial to avoid bias from business or government funding, prevent the publication of poor research that could harm public welfare, and ensure integrity in the scholarly reporting of discoveries.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are several reasons why ethical guidelines are important for the way scientific information is communicated. Firstly, businesses can have their own interests in research outcomes, especially when they fund studies. This situation can potentially introduce bias, as there may be a financial incentive to achieve certain results. Secondly, government funding of research, while essential for progress in numerous fields, carries the risk of bias if the research's direction is influenced by political motivations. Thirdly, the potential for harm is significant when poor research reaches the public. Incorrect or manipulated findings can impact public health, safety, and welfare, leading to real-world consequences. Ethical guidelines help mitigate these risks by ensuring research is conducted and communicated responsibly, without conflicts of interest, and with consideration for its potential impact.

Scientific journals have at times been complicit in publishing questionable research, either through lapses in the peer-review process or by being misled by fraudulent studies. Among sociologists, the American Sociological Association (ASA) provides ethical guidelines that cover not just the conduct of studies, but also the handling of funding and the publication of results. These guidelines are instrumental in maintaining the integrity of scientific research and communication.

Informed decisions by the public rely on accurate scientific information, emphasizing the need for ethical oversight to prevent the spread of misinformation and 'myths'. Thus, ethical guidelines are vital for ensuring that scientific communication is credible, unbiased, and trustworthy.

Answer 2

Poor research could potentially impact the health and welfare of the public.

Step-by-step explanation:

Scientific studies are generally believed to be based on thorough research. This implies that members of the public always trust scientific publications and rely on same as a source of accurate and trustworthy information.

Science, being empirical in nature is believed to eliminate bias in its research and reportage of studies. Scientific research publications is often a source of information for field practitioners in diverse disciplines as well as the general public.

Poor research will mislead a large section of the public, both professionals in that field as well as laymen. This poor research could potentially impact the health and well being of members of the public negatively because they may be led to believe false information which can be disastrous. This is the reason why ethical guidelines are needed for the way scientific information is communicated.