Ethics and Policy in Scientific Publication.

Ethics and Policy in Scientific Publication

Bailar III JC, Angell M, Boots S, et al, eds. Bethesda MD 20814, Council of Biology Editors, 1990, paperback, 290 pp, $24.95. Of the variety of ways scientists have for communicating the results of their work, the written publication is unquestionably the most important. Publications serve not only as a means of sharing results and ideas, but also as a measure of success in the scientific enterprise. Published works are used in making decisions regarding retention and advancement within the work environment, and they are used to assist funding agencies when considering applications for research support. In short, careers and livelihoods often depend on the attributed value and worth of a researcher's publications. Given the complexities of contemporary science and the pressures on scientists to "produce" in the face of stiff competition and shrinking resources, it is not surprising that scientists should find themselves having to deal with certain ethical and legal problems with regard to scientific publications. The purpose of this book is to raise attention to these potentially troublesome issues, to provide a discussion of their nature and impact, and to offer recommendations on how best to deal with these issues. This book was prepared by the Editorial Policy Committee of the Council of Biology Editors, an organization that fosters education and improved communication in the life sciences and related fields. The intended readership includes journal editors and editorial board members, manuscript reviewers, and others who are concerned with the issues of ethics and policy in scientific publication. The book is divided into two sections. In the first section, 19 scenarios are presented, each dealing with practical problems and ethical issues that an editor might encounter in the course of his or her work. Responses to specific questions relating to each scenario were obtained from members of the Council of Biology Editors and are presented to illustrate different reasoned perspectives regarding the issues raised by the scenario. The responses vary in their focus, depending on how the reader viewed the issues raised. Some were approached as ethical issues, whereas others were considered from an editorial viewpoint. Each discussion is followed by a short series of conclusions and recommendations that might be useful in addressing or resolving a particular concern. Although I personally found all the scenarios interesting, several dilemmas struck me as particularly noteworthy. Among these were the scenarios that dealt with redundant publications, conflicts of interest, bias against the publication of negative results, prior publication in a "throwaway" journal, disputes over authorship, and lack of informed consent and institutional review board approval. Each scenario and the accompanying discussion and recommendations are well presented and thought provoking. The second section presents papers and invited discussions from a 1988 conference sponsored by the Council of Biology Editors that addressed ethical and policy issues related to scientific publications. Seven major topics are discussed, including control of research data, allegations of fraud, responsible authorship, misrepresentation of honest data, repetitive publication, and peer review. The authors of these papers are well-respected editors of prestigious research journals in the life sciences. As might be expected, the entire book is well written and edited. As an editor, I find this to be a most interesting and informative book. It provides food for thought as well as guidance on a number of important and troublesome topics that unfortunately have been seen with increasing frequency in recent years. Physical therapists who are engaged in research or who are in training for careers in research would certainly find this book both interesting and valuable. It offers insight into a variety of ethical issues that are part of the daily life of the contemporary researcher. The book might reasonably be used as a textbook, with select scenarios and papers serving as the basis for discussion or debate. I would think this would be a particularly valuable exercise for doctoral-level students who will spend considerable time reading and contributing to the published literature of our profession. Michael F Nolan, PhD, PT Univ of South Florida Tampa, Fla