Research integrity and the Scientific Process (wk1)

Question 1

What is research integrity?

Answer 1

Conducting research in ways that are aligned with professional standards so that others can have confidence in the methods and use the research findings

Question 2

What are the key elements of research integrity?

Answer 2

Honesty, rigour, transparency, reliability, accountability, care and respect of participants

Question 3

What are research ethics?

Answer 3

Research practice viewed from the perspective of moral principles

Question 3

Describe the rationale for research ethics

Answer 3

-Recognising differences between invasive/ non-invasive practices
-If humans are involved or not
-Different board approval
-Whether the army or animals are used or not

Question 4

Scientific integrity case study example
-HRA

Answer 4

-The HRA (Health Research Authority) protects interest of patients and public in health and social care research
-HRA aims to build public confidence and improve the nation’s health
-HRA approval is applied to all study types in England. This brings together legal compliance, ethics review and safety
-The approval provides assurance to NHS organisations

Question 5

List the ethical issues that can arise (9):

Answer 5

-Research question -> new, innovative, relevant, important
-Research design -> subtle, peer reviewed, ethical
-No. of ppts -> appropriate, feasible, robust
-Research team -> experience, environment
-Risks/benefits -> balance between harm/benefits
-Recruitment/compensation -> dependence, what is reasonable?
-Respecting confidentiality -> good practice with data handling
-Publication of results -> when will this happen, open access?
-Informed consent -> well-informed, voluntary

Question 6

List the shared values in research (4)

Answer 6

-Honesty -> Convey information truthfully and honouring commitments
-Accuracy -> Report findings precisely and take care to avoid errors
-Efficiency -> Use resources wisely and avoid waste
-Objectivity -> Let the facts speak for themselves and avoid improper bias

Question 6

List the steps in the scientific process and describe the process

Answer 6

-The process can occur at any point
-Research is always refined and accurate through this process

-Make observations
-Think of interesting observations
-Formulate hypotheses
-Develop testable predictions
-Gather data to test predictions
-Develop general theories
-Refine, alter, expand or reject hypotheses

Question 7

Outline the Hierarchy of Evidence

Answer 7

-Draw the diagram
-Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of random controlled trials have the highest quality of evidence with the lowest risk of bias
-Expert opinions are at the bottom of the hierarchy even though they are listened to e.g. Andrew Wakefield

Question 8

Outline the Adjusted Hierarchy of Evidence

Answer 8

-Draw diagram
-The revised pyramid is where systematic reviews/meta-analysis are a lens to view the evidence