Paul
wrote:
The
real challenge would be to find a pharmacologist (psych or otherwise) who
has not (at least indirectly) received some form of support from the big
pharm.
---That's true, of course. But there is quite a bit of difference between receiving "some form of support" and having consulting agreements. Acceptance of a grant doesn't imply any commitment to the firm other than to perform honest and scientifically valid research and to report the findings; acceptance of fees as a consultant, however, carries with it the obligation to act in the best interests of the firm concerned. That doesn't necessarily extend to suppressing research data that may be unfavorable to the firm, but it does potentially extend to not conducting research you personally suspect may lead to those kinds of results and conducting research that you are convinced will lead to positive results instead.We all know that our approach to a research project is as important as the manner in which we conduct it. Financial considerations can play a part in that approach--and thus in the overall results we obtain. I doubt there is anyone on this list who regularly conducts research who has not been influenced in his or her choice of projects or approaches by the political climate of the institution where he or she teaches. In those cases, it is the financial consideration of continuing to receive a salary check from the institution that influences those choices. In the case of a consultant, very similar motives exist as well.Don't believe it? Try telling the appropriate individuals in the administration of your institution tomorrow that you intend to start a research project aimed at determining if women/Jews/blacks/Hispanics (pick your own form of suicide) are psychologically inferior to men/Caucasians (and, before someone slams me, no I _don't_ believe any of the groups I named are inferior to anyone else in this--or any other--way). Let us know how you enjoy the sensation of unemployment! :-)Rick
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