Ethics instruction increases graduate students' responsible conduct of research knowledge but not moral reasoning.
The purpose of this study was to assess the short-term effectiveness of ethics courses in enhancing responsible conduct of research (RCR) knowledge and moral judgment among graduate students in health-related disciplines. Forty-eight graduate students completed a questionnaire about research experience, knowledge and judgments about appropriate research practices, and a standardized test of moral judgment at the beginning and end of a semester-long ethics course. Knowledge about RCR but not moral judgment increased significantly in some areas. The results are discussed in terms of implications for RCR instruction and of future research designed to improve RCR instruction.
Schmaling
Karen B
KB
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, USA. kbschmal@uncc.edu
Blume
Arthur W
AW
D016265:Conflict of Interest; D003625:Data Collection; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D032984:Ethics, Research / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009014:Morals; D011361:Professional Competence; D012941:Social Responsibility; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires