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Generalizing on Best Practices in Image Processing: A Model for Promoting Research Integrity

Commentary on: Avoiding Twisted Pixels: Ethical Guidelines for the Appropriate Use and Manipulation of Scientific Digital Images

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Abstract

Modifying images for scientific publication is now quick and easy due to changes in technology. This has created a need for new image processing guidelines and attitudes, such as those offered to the research community by Doug Cromey (Cromey 2010). We suggest that related changes in technology have simplified the task of detecting misconduct for journal editors as well as researchers, and that this simplification has caused a shift in the responsibility for reporting misconduct. We also argue that the concept of best practices in image processing can serve as a general model for education in best practices in research.

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Notes

  1. This point was emphasized by John Krueger of Office of Research Integrity, US Department of Health and Human Services, personal communication.

  2. A similar suggestion was made by Jeffrey Cohen at the Society of Research Administrators International 2006 Annual Meeting in Quebec.

References

  • Cromey, D. (2010). Avoiding Twisted Pixels: Ethical guidelines for the appropriate use and manipulation of scientific digital images. Science and Engineering Ethics. doi 10.1007/s11948-010-9201-y.

  • Matchett, N. J. (2007). Frameworks. Center for Ethical Deliberation. http://mcb.unco.edu/ced/frameworks/. Accessed 20 July 2010.

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  • Vollmer, S. H., & Matchett, N. J. (2009). Incorporating Ethics Into RCR Courses. Newsletter. Office of Research Integrity, 18(1), 1. http://ori.dhhs.gov/documents/newsletters/vol18_no1.pdf. Accessed 20 July 2010.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0005, USA

    Dale J. Benos

  2. Department of Philosophy and Center for Ethics and Values in the Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-1260, USA

    Sara H. Vollmer

Authors
  1. Dale J. Benos
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  2. Sara H. Vollmer
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Correspondence to Sara H. Vollmer.

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Benos, D.J., Vollmer, S.H. Generalizing on Best Practices in Image Processing: A Model for Promoting Research Integrity. Sci Eng Ethics 16, 669–673 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-010-9226-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-010-9226-2

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