Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Mobile Technologies: Participation And Surveillance, Katie Shilton

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

Mobile phones could become the largest surveillance system on the planet. These ubiquitous devices can sense and record data such as images, sound and location. They can automatically upload this data via wireless connections into systems for aggregation and analysis. But unlike traditional surveillance devices, phone sensors can be controlled by billions of individuals around the world. Are emerging mobile technologies platforms for citizen participation in research and discovery? Or new tools for mass surveillance?

Location-based technologies and mobile phone applications like carbon footprint calculator Ecorio and Google’s Latitude are attracting attention and raising new questions for engineers, policy makers, …

Mobile Technologies: Participation And Surveillance Lesson Plans, Katie Shilton

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

No abstract provided.

Expanding Ethics Education In Science & Engineering, Jane E. Fountain

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This presentation was part of the AAAS Annual Conference professional development workshop, National Science Foundation and Ethics Education in Science and Engineering, during the recent meeting in San Diego, California (18-22 February). Dr. Michael Gorman, Program Director, Science, Technology & Society, National Science Foundation, moderated the workshop presentations and the discussion that followed. In addition, he contributed a set of powerpoint slides outlining the role of NSF in its response to the America Competes Act, including a commitment to support an online resource in ethics education. Dr. Philip Langlais, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies & Research, Old Dominion University, presented …

Nsf Supported Case-Studies Done By Systems Engineering Graduate Students At Uva, Michael Gorman

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This presentation was part of the AAAS Annual Conference professional development workshop, National Science Foundation and Ethics Education in Science and Engineering, during the recent meeting in San Diego, California (18-22 February). Dr. Michael Gorman, Program Director, Science, Technology & Society, National Science Foundation, moderated the workshop presentations and the discussion that followed. In addition, he contributed a set of powerpoint slides outlining the role of NSF in its response to the America Competes Act, including a commitment to support an online resource in ethics education. Dr. Philip Langlais, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies & Research, Old Dominion University, presented …

Science And Engineering Ethics Education: Recipes For Success, Philip J. Langlais

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This presentation was part of the AAAS Annual Conference professional development workshop, National Science Foundation and Ethics Education in Science and Engineering, during the recent meeting in San Diego, California (18-22 February). Dr. Michael Gorman, Program Director, Science, Technology & Society, National Science Foundation, moderated the workshop presentations and the discussion that followed. In addition, he contributed a set of powerpoint slides outlining the role of NSF in its response to the America Competes Act, including a commitment to support an online resource in ethics education. Dr. Philip Langlais, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies & Research, Old Dominion University, presented …

Rcr For Postdocs: Promoting Ethical Professional Development, Kathleen Flint

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This presentation was part of the AAAS Annual Conference professional development workshop, National Science Foundation and Ethics Education in Science and Engineering, during the recent meeting in San Diego, California (18-22 February). Dr. Michael Gorman, Program Director, Science, Technology & Society, National Science Foundation, moderated the workshop presentations and the discussion that followed. In addition, he contributed a set of powerpoint slides outlining the role of NSF in its response to the America Competes Act, including a commitment to support an online resource in ethics education. Dr. Philip Langlais, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies & Research, Old Dominion University, presented …

Update On Responsible Conduct Of Research, Michael E. Gorman, Kelly Joyce

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This presentation was part of the AAAS Annual Conference professional development workshop, National Science Foundation and Ethics Education in Science and Engineering, during the recent meeting in San Diego, California (18-22 February). Dr. Michael Gorman, Program Director, Science, Technology & Society, National Science Foundation, moderated the workshop presentations and the discussion that followed. In addition, he contributed a set of powerpoint slides outlining the role of NSF in its response to the America Competes Act, including a commitment to support an online resource in ethics education. Dr. Philip Langlais, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies & Research, Old Dominion University, presented …

Ethics In Science & Engineering: Redefining Tools & Resources, Michelle S. Goncalves, Jane E. Fountain, Jessica Adamick, Marilyn Billings

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This report summarizes the main points of discussion of a national workshop convened to advance knowledge and practice for ethics in science and engineering. Following the enactment of the America COMPETES Act and its provisions to increase attention to ethics and the responsible conduct of research in science and engineering, the National Science Foundation (NSF) supported two beta site projects to advance understanding of the key dimensions required for a national online clearinghouse in ethics for science and engineering. The ESENCe Beta Site project, based at UMass Amherst and one of two such beta sites in the United States, thanks …

Graduate Education In Research Ethics For Scientists And Engineers: Final Report, Jorge Ferrer-Negron, William Frey, Efrain O'Neill-Carrillo, Didier Valdes, Carlos Rios-Valazquez

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

No abstract provided.

Four Billion Little Brothers?: Privacy, Mobile Phones, And Ubiquitous Data Collection, Katie Shilton

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

No abstract provided.

Designing The Personal Data Stream: Enabling Participatory Privacy In Mobile Personal Sensing, Katie Shilton, Jeffrey A. Burke, Deborah Estrin, Ramesh Govindan, Mark Hansen, Jerry Kang, Min Mun

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

For decades, the Codes of Fair Information Practice have served as a model for data privacy, protecting personal information collected by governments and corporations. But professional data management standards such as the Codes of Fair Information Practice do not take into account a world of distributed data collection, nor the realities of data mining and easy, almost uncontrolled, dissemination. Emerging models of information gathering create an environment where recording devices, deployed by individuals rather than organizations, disrupt expected flows of information in both public and private spaces. We suggest expanding the Codes of Fair Information Practice to protect privacy in …

Ethical Issues In Graduate Research, William J. Frey

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

(Caution! This module is being published in an incomplete, preliminary version. Later edited and fuller versions will follow.) "Graduate Education in Research Ethics for Scientists and Engineers" is a project funded by the National Science Foundation (SES 0629377) to design a pilot program in research ethics for graduate students in science and engineering. This project is built around three workshops: (1) a Graduate Awareness Workshop introduces students to fundamental ethical issues in research, (2) a Moral Deliberation Workshop acquaints students with the skills of moral deliberation, (3) a Case Analysis Workshop uses realistic scenarios to allow students to practice decision-making …

Professional Ethics-Responsible Conduct Of Research Training: Making Sense Of Complex Problems, Michael D. Mumford, Shane Connelly, Ryan P. Brown, Lynn D. Devenport, Stephen T. Murphy, Alison L. Antes

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

General Course Abstract

This two-day seminar format course exposes students to the complexities involved in real-world ethical decision-making. It provides students with strategies, or tools, for understanding and thinking through ethical problems to arrive at a decision. Students practice working with these strategies by applying them to realistic, complex cases.

Day 1 Abstract

During the first day of the course, guidelines and principles for ethical research practices are discussed. It is emphasized that students must apply guidelines in a context to arrive at a decision, and the course provides guidance on this decision-making process. Next, students learn about the personal …

Federal Register: National Science Foundation, Responsible Conduct Of Research, National Science Foundation

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing its implementation of Section 7009 of the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o–1). This section of the Act requires that ‘‘each institution that applies for financial assistance from the Foundation for science and engineering research or education describe in its grant proposal a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers participating in the proposed research project.’’

[Abstract by author]

Case Analysis: A Tool For Teaching Research Ethics In Science And Engineering For Graduate Students, Didier Valdes, Erika Jaramillo Giraldo, Jorge Ferrer, William J. Frey

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

No abstract provided.

Role-Play Scenarios For Teaching Responsible Conduct Of Research: Assessment Of Outcomes, Stephanie N. Seiler, Michael C. Loui, Kerri L. Kristich, Kyoung Jin Kim, C. K. Gunsalus, Bradley J. Brummel

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

No abstract provided.

Responsible Conduct Of Research Role-Plays: Conflict Of Interest, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, And Their Students At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This faculty adviser in this role-play has a major conflict of interest, which puts the student in an awkward situation. If the conflict oversight committee hasn’t contacted the student already (an unfortunately common situation), they should have. In an ideal situation, every student affected by a potential conflict of interest should have some written guidance about what to expect and how to get advice if concerns arise.

One useful step is to find out if there are any written policies or guidelines about what students can expect in situations like this: for example, is there a meeting annually or every …

Participatory Sensing: A Citizen-Powered Approach To Illuminating The Patterns That Shape Our World, Jeffrey Goldman, Katie Shilton, Jeffrey A. Burke, Deborah Estrin, Mark Hansen, Nithya Ramanathan, Sasank Reddy, Vids Samanta, Mani Srivastava, Ruth West

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

No abstract provided.

Geography 734: Gis And Society, Rina Ghose

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

COURSE OBJECTIVE: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is widely used in a range of disciplines, and in public and private sector. Due to its popularity, it is a multibillion dollar global business. In order to be proficient in it, one not only needs to understand the technology, but also the science behind the technology. This course explores a primary research agenda in GIScience, that of GIS and Society. This research agenda explores the interconnected relationship between the society and GIS, and explores the implications and impacts of such a relationship.

Within the GIS and Society body of literature (as highlighted by …

Federal Register: National Science Foundation, Responsible Conduct Of Research, National Science Foundation

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is soliciting public comment on the agency’s proposed implementation of Section 7009 of the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o–1). This section of the Act requires that ‘‘each institution that applies for financial assistance from the Foundation for science and engineering research or education describe in its grant proposal a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers participating in the proposed research project.’’

[Abstract by author]

Ethical Issues In Peer Review Of Research, Michael C. Loui

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

No abstract provided.

Responsible Conduct Of Research Role-Plays: Whistleblowing Data Management, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, And Their Students At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This role-play involves data mismanagement in a research lab. The graduate students suspects that the post-doc fabricated experimental results, which is a form of research misconduct. The realization or suspicion that someone has engaged in research misconduct is one of the most difficult situations researchers face. However, someone who has witnessed misconduct has an obligation to act and report this behavior. Reporting the misconduct, which also known as whistle-blowing, should be done in a cautious and responsible way. Ideally, whistle-blowers should never be afraid to come forward with questions of misconduct, as they should be supported by their institutions and …

Responsible Conduct Of Research Role-Plays: Hazardous Substances, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, And Their Students At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This role-play focuses on the dilemmas in balancing regulatory requirements, personal relationships and a natural reluctance to “cause trouble.” These dilemmas arise in many settings, and can be particularly acute in laboratories that handle hazardous substances because of the serious safety implications of violations. In addition, violations can carry fines and penalties for laboratories and universities where they occur. The worries of the graduate student in the role-play about potential laboratory shut-downs and corresponding research delays are all too real. Specifics of regulations vary according to the materials being handled. The underlying principles regarding human and environmental safety stay the …

Responsible Conduct Of Research Role-Plays: Human Subjects, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, And Their Students At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This role-play addresses issues involved with human subject research and working with an Institutional Review Board (IRB).

The Belmont Report (1979) identifies three basic ethical principles that underlie all human subject research. These principles are Respect for persons, Beneficence, and Justice. Respect for persons requires us to treat individuals as autonomous human beings and not to use people as a means to an end. We must allow people to choose for themselves and provide extra protection to those with limited ability to choose, such as children. Rules derived from the principle of respect for persons include the requirements to obtain …

Responsible Conduct Of Research Role-Plays: Peer Review, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, And Their Students At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This scenario is based on “What is Responsible Peer Review?” http://ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/rcr/rcr_authorship/case/index.html#2, which is based on the “Confidentiality vs. Mentor Responsibilities: A Conflict of Obligations” scenario, http://onlineethics.org/reseth/appe/vol3/conflictobligations.html, which is based on a real incident.

This scenario highlights several issues in the peer review of manuscripts submitted for publication:

• Conflict of interest in the role of the reviewer

• Confidentiality of information in the manuscript

• Role of the adviser in the professional development of a graduate student

Although this scenario is not based on a single actual incident, each of the scenario’s elements occurs frequently in research in science and …

Responsible Conduct Of Research Role-Plays: Animals, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, And Their Students At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This scenario highlights ethical issues in reporting violations in a situation where extensive federal regulations and guidance apply. Specifically, the lab was using animals in ways that violated its own protocol and included making unauthorized purchases of animals.

The driving issue in this scenario is how to handle the discovery that another lab might have violated these regulations. Labs often have a great deal of autonomy and faculty members may feel uncomfortable questioning the conduct of their colleagues. Professor Prenlen appears to be violating animal care regulations, and involving students in those violations. This creates a difficult situation for the …

Responsible Conduct Of Research Role-Plays: Whistle-Blowing And Professional Relationships, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, And Their Students At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This role-play focuses on a whistle-blowing scenario involving data management issues in a research lab, complicated by uncomfortable personal relationships. Whistle-blowing involves raising concerns or allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct. There is an obligation for whistle-blowers to do so in good faith, which means based on reasonable belief or facts. Suspecting that someone has engaged in research misconduct is one of the most difficult situations researchers face. This is especially true when relationships are strained for other reasons.

If you have the suspicion of research misconduct, the possible consequences for all involved can be serious. To handle the situation responsibly …

Responsible Conduct Of Research Role-Plays: Authorship, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, And Their Students At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This role-play deals with issues concerning authorship credit. Concerns about authorship raise the ethical principle of fairness because people should receive credit for their contributions. Authors of a scientific work must have made substantial or significant contributions to the project because they are taking public responsibility for its content. Authors must also be willing and able to respond to questions about the work. The hard part of authorship is deciding what kind of intellectual contribution counts as substantial or significant and therefore warrants authorship. Despite the availability of guidelines, there are differences of opinions within and between scientific disciplines. Broad …

Responsible Conduct Of Research Role-Plays: Mentoring, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, C. K. Gunsalus, M. C. Loui, And Their Students At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

This scenario highlights the mismatch of expectations that can arise in a mentoring relationship between a graduate student and a research adviser. The adviser wants a solely professional relationship, but the student seeks a more personal relationship. Their inconsistent desires lead to inconsistent expectations about how long they should meet and what they should discuss, and subsequently to misunderstandings about the preliminary results.

Some of the problems in this scenario could have been avoided had the adviser and student negotiated mutual expectations and responsibilities when they first began working together. In general, a professor and student should agree on expectations, …

Role-Play Scenarios For Teaching Responsible Conduct Of Research, Bradley J. Brummel, C. K. Gunsalus, Kerri L. Kristich, Michael C. Loui, Stephanie N. Seiler

Ethics in Science and Engineering National Clearinghouse

No abstract provided.