Responsible Conduct of Research

Gather, Analyze, and Report on Data

Gather and Analyze

  • Follow your study design when gathering data. Abide by set procedures and best practices to ensure data is reliable and consistent.
  • If data collection is hindered by an aspect of the study design, re-evaluate the design. If a change is necessary, you may need to exclude any data collected under the previous design.
  • Ensure gathered data is uniform and comparable.
  • Confirm observations through multiple, independent methods. Be wary of effects that are small or hard to replicate.
  • It is unethical to
    • Create, alter, omit, or falsely represent data to support your desired outcome.
    • Seize on random patterns of data and mistake them for interesting findings.
    • Fabricate stories after-the-fact to rationalize whatever results occur.

Report

  • Report on all the data. It is unethical to remove data without describing what was removed and the reasoning behind that removal.
  • Accurately present your objective analysis.
  • Publish information about your data that helps others understand your results (collection methods, exclusion criteria, analysis, etc.).
  • Follow industry standards and all publication requirements.

Store and Share