Re: Science and Integrity

On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 21:33:38 +1100, Alan S
<loralweightandcarbs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

was "Low-fat diet..."

On 9 Feb 2006 10:09:55 GMT, Chris Malcolm
<cam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I think we're fed a rather idealised of how the disinterested
scientist pursues research. The history of science seems to suggest
that for much of the time scientists behave rather badly and
unscientifically, and that it's only in the long term, and as a result
of such natural effects ss the death of obstreporous old dogmatists,
that scientific progress occurs. It's the social side of science, the
replication, peer review, etc., which in the end, over the long term,
ensures the progress of science, not the behaviour of the individual
scientist, which usually falls well short of ideal scientific
objectivity.

The philosopher of science Lakatos suggested the behaviour you
describe above is characteristic of the dying phase in the life
history of a theory, a phase he called "a degenerating research
programme". But this dying phase is not necessarily followed by
death. Sometimes it is followed by unexpected rejuvenation. In
science, as in so much else, it's not over until the fat lady sings
:-)

Hi Chris

I am sure that the vast majority of research scientists are
people of integrity and honour, but the bad eggs can really
cause some foul odours. A contributing professor mentioned
this case on a different list I'm on a couple of days ago:
http://www.cbc.ca/national/news/chandra/ in three parts.

It's a sad case, worth reading. Even sadder was the way the
research hospital concerned attempted to ignore it all and
cover it up.

It would be logical to think that all of his research would
now be tainted and removed from the records until it has
been re-tested. That's not quite the case; nothing appears
to have been removed from linkages to medical search
engines:
Scholar: http://tinyurl.com/brx9o
Highwire: http://tinyurl.com/cculs

His work will probably be cited by other studies and
"mega-studies" for years to come.

One has to feel for the unfortunate namesake RK Chandra who
seems to specialise in sinus problems but comes up in the
same searches.

Of course, Chandra is not alone - Woo Suk Hwang's work is
still out there:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200601/s1546537.htm
Highwire: http://tinyurl.com/8o3oc
Scholar: http://tinyurl.com/7q52v

Some of their work will be valid - some not. The difficulty
for those following or citing them is knowing which.

And, of course, there are others. The fact that it occurs is
not a surprise; duplicity and deceit will always be with us.
The main concern is the system that allowed it to occur
undetected and, once detected, to continue.

Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 2x500mg

I was very disappointed when I finally succeeded in
getting into the research area and found out the truth.

It is better than the pure commercial area and way
ahead of the political arena.

But scientists are just people with some special
talents and training.

The trust, that the general public has, and the
TV show portrayals are not deserved.

But they are all we have----just the same as doctors
or any other profession. Hero worship is a bad
human trait..

Like in all human relations, audits are to be used.
Peer review of all work is needed.
Guy


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