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Scientific Misconduct: Fabrication, falsification and other forms
Scientific Misconduct: Fälschung und andere Formen von Fehlverhalten
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:18
Abstract
The seminar, which is taught by both natural and social scientists, uses current and historical case studies as well as empirical surveys to introduce the methods and results of studies on scientific wrongdoing. Ethics of sciences approaches to developing a set of best scientific practices are also discussed
Objective
Practice in the critical analysis of current and historical case studies on scientific wrongdoing. Introduction to empirical and statistical methods or researching misconduct. Discussion of factors influencing and institutional policies for dealing with scientific wrongdoing.
Content
In addition to the scientific ideal of pursuit of truth, conduct in science (as in other fields) may be motivated by factors like career considerations, material advantage, influence and social recognition. These motivations often lead to breaches of scientific ethics. Such breaches my include anything from careless errors to “scientific theft” (plagiarism) to deliberate falsification or fabrication of data and results. The course will employ current and historical case studies to elaborate on conditions that apparently favor scientific wrongdoing. It will also address the effectiveness of institutional controls (peer review, scientific critique, replication, and so on) in eliminating scientific wrongdoing to the greatest extent possible. Finally, the seminar will deal with both the predicaments of young scientists who are confronted with ethically questionable practices and possible steps for preventing misconduct.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Scientific Misconduct: Fälschung und andere Formen von Fehlverhalten
Does not take place this semester.
diese LV findet in unregelmässigen Abständen statt
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (In order to be awarded credits, please register under "Pflichtwahlfach GESS"!. The language courses are offered by the ETH and University of Zurich Language Center.)
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Compulsory Electives GESS (Categorically all students at ETH Zurich are required to obtain 8 credit points (ECTS) within the frame of this elective course program throughout their studies; 6 credit points during the bachelor and 2 for the master. Some of the lectures are part of other departments’ curricula. Further information can be found in the course catalog or at the particular student offices.)
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