Dr. George Adams receives a manuscript for ad hoc review from the editor of a scientific journal. George gives the manuscript to Al Nance, his senior postdoctoral fellow. He asks Al to read the manuscript and prepare some written comments critiquing it. One week later, Al provides to Dr. Adams one page of comments. Al also provides Dr. Adams with an extensive verbal critique of the paper. Dr. Adams then prepares a written review which is submitted to the editor of the scientific journal. A few weeks later, Dr. Adams learns that Al made photocopies of the entire literature citation section of the manuscript because it contained "some useful references". Dr. Adams proceeds to verbally reprimand Al, telling him that no part of a manuscript received for review should be copied. 

Questions:

Comment on the behavior of both the faculty member and the postdoctoral fellow in this scenario. 

  • Is it unethical, or even misconduct?
  • How they should have conducted? 
  • How you would proceed now? Is Dr. Adams's response sufficient?

Last modified: Tuesday, 12 March 2019, 2:06 PM