Source: Association of American Medical Colleges (1994). "Teaching the Responsible Conduct of Research Through a Case Study Approach." Washington, D.C., AAMC.
Bob Powell, a postdoctoral fellow in biochemistry, has just
completed a manuscript detailing the results from the first project
in which he had taken a leading role. The focus of his project has
been to discern the ways in which humans metabolize sulfites, a class
of chemicals commonly used to preserve wines and dried fruits.
Although he had developed the rough outlines of the project on his
own, he owes much to individuals both inside and outside his lab. The
assistance he received from others includes the following:
Discussion questions:
1. What kind of attribution should be given to each of these
individuals who contributed in one way or another to Bob's project?
For example, who should be recognized as an author and who should
receive an acknowledgement in the paper? Who does not merit formal
recognition?
2. What criteria should be applied when determining whether:
to list someone as an author?to note someone's contributions in the acknowledgement?
3. What are the responsibilities of authors in representing the
contributions of others?
4. At what point in the process of conducting and reporting on one's
research should decisions concerning authorship and acknowledgements
be made?
5.Are decisions concerning attribution entirely Bob's responsibility?
Should he consult with others? Why or why not?