Graduate Education: Preparing Ethical Researchers

Abstract

Research misconduct has significant repercussions on the future of research enterprises, public support and funding, and public health in general. As a training ground for future researchers, graduate programs have an opportunity and an obligation to foster ethical researchers. This study examines how elements of the graduate student experience relate to the student’s perception of the quality of the ethical training received in their program. The analysis is based on data from the gradSERU, a comprehensive longitudinal survey administered to six institutions and nearly 8000 doctoral level respondents. Findings suggest that relationships with advisors and perception of campus climate have a strong significant association with ethical training.