ethics

What is Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)?

The responsible conduct of research (RCR) refers to "the thoughtful and honest adherence to relevant ethical, disciplinary, and financial standards in the promotion, design, conduct, evaluation, and reporting of research in one's field" (Adapted from definitions used in the 2009 Survey on Responsible Research Practices).

There are four common values associated with the responsible conduct of research (Steneck, 2009):

1. Honesty — conveying information truthfully and honoring commitments
2. Accuracy— reporting findings precisely and taking care to avoid errors
3. Efficiency — using resources wisely and avoiding waste
4. Objectivity — letting the facts speak for themselves and avoiding improper bias

It is critical in your research and scholarship to apply these values to your work. If you believe that your current research violates any of these values, you should have a conversation with your research mentor and discuss your concerns. If no one has discussed responsible practices in research or creative works, ask your research mentor. 

RCR Expectation for MSU Undergraduate Students

Everyone plays a role in responsibly conducting research and developing creative works, whether you create new painting, develop a graphic design for an event, or compose a new piece of music. We strongly encourage all undergraduate research and/or creative assistants to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research on-line modules offered through MSU's Office of Research Regulatory Support. Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is required of any undergraduate researchers supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) or National Institute of Health (NIH) grant.

The Graduate School offers excellent on-line RCR training resources for all students. Consult with your research mentor for additional information.

Recipients of the Provost Undergraduate Research Grants, Professorial Assistants, and any undergraduate student presenting at UURAF or MidSURE are required to complete level one of RCR training. The training consists of four courses that are each about 20 minutes long for a total of approximately 80 minutes. The MSU Office of Research Regulatory Support will contact you with directions on how to access the training. You will have 30 days to complete the training.

Level I courses are: Introduction to RCR, Authorship, Research Misconduct, and Plagiarism. Training is due prior to the event date.  Only student presenters with valid RCR certificates on file are eligible for awards.

Have you received Institutional Review Board approval for your research?

Research must be conducted with integrity.  To ensure this goal is met, federal and university regulations require that all research projects involving human subjects and materials of human origin be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board through MSU's Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) before initiation.

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee comprised of faculty members and charged with protecting "the rights, welfare and privacy of human subjects who participate in research conducted by students and/or faculty affiliated with MSU" (IRB Mission Statement).

Research projects that require IRB approval include interviews, mail or telephone surveys, the use of existing data (e.g. surveys, biological materials of human origin), interventions, etc. Any research that involves human subjects or human material (e.g. human tissue or blood) must receive IRB approval before any data collection occurs. A human subject is defined as "a living individual whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information." (Code of Federal Regulations, 45CFR46.102).

The committee that reviews your research project will be considering factors such as risk/benefit ratio; selection of subjects; informed consent; privacy, confidentiality, and anonymity; incentives for participation; and the potential for conflicts of interest.

Depending on the nature of the project, it can take 10-15 days or longer to receive approval. The IRB recommends that you apply at least one (1) month before you would like to start collecting data to ensure the process is complete. Remember, you CANNOT start collecting any data until you have received approval.

If you have questions regarding the IRB process, you should speak with your mentor, review the IRB's Human Research Protection Program, or contact an IRB staff member at (517) 355-2180.

Are you working with animal subjects?

In addition, all scientists, research technicians, animal technicians, and other personnel (including undergraduate researchers) involved in animal care, treatment, and use need to be aware of their responsibilities as dictated by the Animal Welfare Act.

You can learn more about all aspects of the responsible use of animals in university research and instructional activities at Michigan State by visiting the Animal Care Program website.