Science and unethical data manipulation

[Wintermute]

Hi,

Pendragon and others have had discussions concerning the voracity of the scientific community and the specific issue of data manipulation. I found this article this morning and thought it relevant: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25253128/

A survey has found that 9% of scientific data has been unethically manipulated by scientists. This is a huge number and really bothers me. I am still of the belief that the vast majority of scientists are in it for truth, and indeed, the survey would suggest that 91% of data is pure. But, even 1% is not acceptable in my opinion. When one manipulates data for any reason it reflects negatively on all data and makes a mockery of truth. These 9% should be ashamed.

Anyway, I though this might be interesting in light of previous threads.

Peace,
Doug

[Virgil]

Interesting article, Winter. It is disturbing. Unfortunately even scientists are human and do wrong/immoral things. I was going to ask how they define manipulation, but says up front: "fabrication, falsification or plagiarism." Frankly I would consider this beyond manipulation. Manipulation to me implies crunching the numbers to give them a favorable perception. I can understand trying to frame things in a favorable light, but "fabrication, falsification or plagiarism to me is outright fraud.

[jgweed]

What was found was not ONLY "data manipulation" but "fabrication, falsification or plagiarism in conducting research, reporting findings or seeking grants." This is certainly more inclusive than the manipulation of data to support a theory.
One would think that peer review of such data, IF PUBLISHED, would eventually bring its manipulation to light.

[EricP]

Interesting, but why is this posted in the religion section?