You are a graduate student working in a lab where data are a

You are a graduate student working in a lab where data are accumulated for the purposes of measuring the optical absorption of a variety of samples. For each mple there is a large data file stored on a computer in the lab. In reviewing a lab notebook from one of your predecesso rs in the lab and comparing that to data published by the lab, you find a gap. Thatis, some of the data that were published are not accounted for in the lab notebook Furthermore, you are unable to locate the computer files for this missing data. You talk to a fellow graduate student about this situation, and he tells you that you should be very concerned about the situation and that it should be reported. uestions to answer: 1) There are a number of explanations for the \"missing data.\" Explain three reasons -do any of your explanations involve scientific 2) Suppose that you suspect that scientific misconduct has occurred what do you think you should do? Who would you consult for advice? meaning you are there might be consequences the incident. Why are you whistle? some things that might happen if you were to blow the Can 4) Ultimately, what do you decide to do? Explain your choice

Solution

Answer 1. The \'missing data\' can be tracked to a number of reasons:

2) Now, it is suspected that scientific misconduct has occurred. In such a case, you should find out how many people and who all are involved in this misconduct. After finding out the persons involved, you should try to track the \'missing data\' through these people. Still, if you are unable to find out the data, then you should report the matter to the laboratory head. Please note that further reporting of data to higher authorities is the duty of laboratory head; so, your task finishes over here. You are just a graduate student. Talking to \"Institution\'s head\" or \"Institution\'s misconduct policy officer\" is the further task of your laboratory head.

3) Blowing the whistle may create serious problems. Every laboratory has its \'name\'. This image and name of this laboratory would be debased on this basis. As a result, the laboratory would come in to the eyes of funding agencies and may not get further scientific research projects.

4) Alternatively you can consult a third party to resolve the issue addressed in \'part 3\' of this question. Still, if the issue is not resolved, you are left with no choice except to inform the higher authorities, i.e. the laboratory head.