Research Ethics: honesty, integrity, respect

This Quick Guide is a foundational introduction to research ethics. Beginning with fundamental principles and their definitions, we proceed through ethical dilemmas, misconduct, regulatory oversight, human and animal review panels and applications, the elements of ethical research design, analysis and interpretation, and conclude with reporting guidelines for technical and professional publications as well as the media. Terms and concepts are explained clearly, in plain language and illustrated with real-world examples. Where necessary and useful, the underpinning philosophical theories are also presented. The Guide has been written, edited and reviewed by experts, so you can be confident that the information is correct and accurate, saving time searching for answers on the internet and avoiding misinformation. The e-book is accessible on most electronic devices including phones and smart watches, and there is also a compact paperback format that is portable and simple to read. Both are competitively priced compared to traditional textbooks. Adhering to ethical principles ensures that research outcomes are valid and authentic, increasing the real-world significance and impact of investigations. Ethical conduct also ensures legal compliance, underpins many societal values such as animal welfare, social responsibility and human rights, and fosters humanistic approaches to scientific and medical research.