Why teach RCR?
The origins of formal RCR education can be traced to congressional hearings that date back to the early 1980s. These hearings were prompted by an increased awareness of misconduct allegations in scientific research. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, high-profile cases of alleged scientific misconduct came under public scrutiny and formal investigation. Awareness of and sensitivity to scientific misconduct grew dramatically during this time as reporters and writers made it a public issue. However, it also follows from the realization that part of research training should include exposure to the proper practice of science. For this reason, viable RCR instruction programs have been in place at some institutions for nearly 20 years. To many scientists and observers of science, such training seems to be a good idea, but it isnt readily apparent why we favor teaching RCR or what goals we should have for RCR instruction. One reason to teach RCR is simply that it is required. Although this is no
