Scientists are susceptible to human error and may certainly engage in differences of opinion about interpretations or judgments of data. Researchers also work under difficult constraints, such that publication pressures, limited resources and other contingencies can push against the desire to maximize quality. Responsible research conduct includes maintaining high quality standards, while acknowledging mistakes.
Research integrity rests on the judgment and conscience of the researcher.
Beyond human error or negligence, there are also errors that involve deliberate deception. Stanford University, along with the agencies that fund research conducted here, have explicit policy requirements related to allegations, investigations and reporting of scientific misconduct . At the heart of discussion on these topics is concern about ethical responsibilities and reporting requirements. Integrity and conscience demand not only personal adherence to ethical standards, but reporting of suspected violations of those standards. Responsibilities in this regard are codified in two separate policies at Stanford University, i.e., in the policy on Scientific Misconduct and in the Code of Conduct for Business Activities .