Ethics Choices in Academic Work

Ethics and Biblical Integration

Case Study: 3.10

If Mike is intoxicated while “on the job” then he represents a risk both to himself and to others as well as to the lab, since he is operating dangerous equipment. Since I can smell alcohol on his breath in the mornings when he comes into the lab, it is a good indication that something is going on that needs to be addressed. I would definitely inform Mike’s mentor about what I have observed and I would expect her to address the situation by having a serious conversation with Mike about not coming into the lab anymore unless he is completely sober. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Thus, it is in alignment with the Bible that I would take this course of action for everyone’s sake.

Case study: 4.3

Aarti deserves co-authorship on the paper because her initial work was indeed seminal to the discovery made by Raymond. If she had not mistakenly believed in her initial hypothesis, Raymond would not have investigated the matter by repeating her work to see if the same results could be obtained. That should factor into the paper and be part of the write-up. After all, that is how scientific work and progress are made: checking the work of others and ensuring validity and verifiability and reliability (Cope, 2004; Harold et al., 2006). Scientific trials lead the way to better understanding, and credit should be given where it is due even if a trial was conducted erroneously; if it still led to a breakthrough, then one should recognize that because without that initial first misstep others might not have been inspired to act. The Bible says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). This means even Scripture recognizes that we all go through trials and errors in life, and this is part of growing—so let’s not ignore this reality and slight the process by cutting out Aarti’s contribution.

Case Study: 4.7

In this case of data ownership, it appears that Dr. Taylor is offended that he has not been given thanks for his five years of work collecting data for WSU. WSU is the owner of the data and hosts the data, which can be accessed by others. It is there for the using. The authors of the new paper might have shown appreciation for his collection of the data might, but they were not under any obligation to do so. Humility is recommended here in line with what the Bible teaches: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 18:1-35). Dr. Taylor’s threat of plagiarism does not have any merit because the data is not his, and the junior faculty member and her trainee are not at fault.

Case Study: 5.3

I would tell Weinstein that there is a risk of a conflict of interest arising, but that so long as he is upfront in his write-up and explains that he himself is acting as a subject in the study’s experimentation that it will be all right. Full disclosure must be given to help bracket out bias and conflict (Cherla et al., 2017; Fischer, 2009; Mantzoukas, 2005). The Bible teaches us to be honest about our dealings: “For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man” (2 Cor 8:21). So full disclosure for the sake of honesty is warranted.

Case Study: 5.5

The study is still in IRB compliance because no modification of the survey has been made; however, it does represent a gray area in terms of the fact that the bright yellow paper will be stapled to the survey as though it were part of the survey instrument itself. I would recommend against this, and suggest that Dr. Kachina ask the IRB for opinion on the matter before proceeding. It is better to be safe than sorry. In my view, the announcement would help to promote participation in the study, but since this is an unforeseen development it may well be that it alters the study due to the fact of the sample being changed through this influence. The Bible teaches us to be in compliance with the law and with authority so as to be approved in all things: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). Thus, I would urge Dr. Kachina to address the matter with the IRB before proceeding further just to make sure.

Case Study: 5.8

I would advise Dr. Jeris to pursue the matter, as disclosure of test subjects’ identities without their permission would be an abuse of ethics. However, Dr. Jeris does not know whether Dr. Wolanski received that permission or not. It may very well be that he did in fact receive this permission from the test subjects whose identities were revealed in the presentation. Before rushing to judgment, one should seek to understand the truth in patience, as the bible teaches: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Tim 4:2). Here, we see that patience is needed in all things, but especially in a case like this.