As the costs of academic research increase, so too does the universities' dependence upon Federal support. As the Federal investment grows, so too does the public's scrutiny of the research universities. Misconduct of any sort imperils public sponsorship of research. It is a high tribute to the integrity of our research universities that all who have investigated the incidence of scientific misconduct find very few cases of bona-fide fraud. There are, however, more common errors in fact and in judgement that also have damaging effects.
Errors are inevitable because researchers live in a world of uncertainty.
Publication in a peer-reviewed journal provides another important safeguard on the integrity of research. Critical review by peers can detect errors and omissions invisible to the untutored eye. For this reason, it is the most acceptable means for disseminating research results. Deliberately bypassing the peer-review process is one. Researchers who release their findings directly to the public risk adverse reactions later if their results are shown to be mistaken or misinterpreted by the media.