Hi

It is impossible that science (or any domain) would be completely free of such 
abuses.  I remember a book published a number of years ago now (perhaps by 
Braud or something like that) citing such ethical violations by scientists and 
then claiming in essence that fraud and the like are just as likely in science 
as in any domain (he may have used a concrete area, e.g., business or law).  Of 
course, no number of examples will justify such a claim, which requires 
something like # violations divided by # opportunities to violate for areas 
being compared.  Not easy to see how such a computation could be made (perhaps 
random sampling of "events" in two or more areas and close investigation).  
Given the unparalleled (I would claim) openness and scrutiny in science versus 
most other fields, I would be shocked (ok maybe just stunned or perhaps 
surprised) if fraud were anywhere near as likely in science as elsewhere.  

That does not negate Chris's point, of course, that the field must always be 
vigilent, perhaps especially today given the institutional and other pressures 
to get substantial grants and publish.  That is at least one factor I suspect 
in many cases of abuse.

Take care
Jim

James M. Clark
Professor of Psychology
204-786-9757
204-774-4134 Fax
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

>>> "Christopher D. Green" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 25-Mar-08 11:03:19 PM >>>
And the beat goes on...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/health/research/26lung.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
 

If scientists want the public to trust science, they will have to start 
acting in a trustworthy manner.

Chris Green
York U.
Toronto, Canada

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