46% of Scientists Admit That They Know Their Fellow Researchers Alter Study Results

Posted by Ben:

If there’s one thing in life you can trust, it’s science and the studies they produce, right? Well, apparently not, according to an investigation recently completed at the University of Edinburgh. Researcher Daniele Fanelli conducted a comprehensive review of 21 scientific misconduct surveys carried out between 1986 and 2005. What he discovered should send chills down your spine.

The headline from the “Times Online” article published in June says it all, “One in Seven Scientists Say Colleagues Fake Data.” That is a shocking revelation and raises questions about the validity of every single scientific study, finding, result, claim, proof, revelation, etc.
 

While it is understood that an individual’s own subjectivity cannot be completely removed from a scientific experiment or study, this revelation of outright forgery is stunning. Around 46% of scientists claim that they’ve witnessed their colleagues engage in “questionable practices,” including picking and choosing which data to report to alter the overall outcome or just changing the conclusions of the study altogether.
 

But why would they do that? Why would hard working, well-respected scientists who have devoted their lives to the pursuit of truth risk their careers and reputations to fake results? To find the answer, according to this review, all you have to do is follow the money.
 

It seems that the scientists who do engage in such behavior do so at the prodding of those who provide the funding for their work. Fanelli says that, “increasing evidence suggests that known frauds are just the tip of the iceberg and that many cases are never discovered.” His review points to the strong possibility that dishonesty and misrepresentation of results are relatively widespread.
 

Of course when asked directly, only 2% of scientists admitted that they themselves had engaged in misconduct. This number is not too surprising, even though it is in fact higher than previously expected. After all, why would you admit you disgraced your profession and potentially jeopardized lives?
 

Consider how many studies are done to prove the safety and efficacy of drugs, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc? Consider the recent study that claimed organic food was no better for you or more nutritious than conventionally grown foods that utilize chemicals and pollutants? Can we take these scientists at their word any longer? Or do we have to dig down a little deeper and take responsibility for ourselves and question results when they appear questionable?
 

I’m not suggesting that you have to live in fear, as that is no way to live your life. But take the time to read the whole report, the whole article or the whole study and form conclusions for yourself. Don’t simply rely on the catchy (or scary, as the case may be) headline to make up your mind.

Posted by Ben