You are an editor for the Journal of Novel Diagnostics. You recently handled a manuscript that compared two new diagnostic tests for detection of a genetic defect. Test 1 is marketed by Genetix, Inc. and test 2 is marketed by Probes Unlimited. The manuscript concludes that test 1 is superior in terms of reliability and accuracy. Following peer review and minor revision, you accept the paper and it appears in print. Shortly after publication, you receive a letter from the Vice President for Research at Probes Unlimited. She claims that examination of the methods section of the paper reveals that the authors used to test 2 in a manner that significantly deviates from the instructions provided by Probes Unlimited. Moreover, she claims that the senior author on the paper has previously received research grants from Genetix, Inc.

Questions:
  • Is this "sloppy science" or scientific misconduct?
  • What course of action would you take?


http://research-ethics.org/topics/research-misconduct/#discussion

Last modified: Tuesday, 12 March 2019, 2:07 PM