RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Rethinking scientific responsibility
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 299
OP 302
DO 10.1136/jme.2010.038828
VO 37
IS 5
A1 Annika Forssén
A1 Eivind Meland
A1 Irene Hetlevik
A1 Roger Strand
YR 2011
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/37/5/299.abstract
AB Researchers should be made co-responsible for the wider consequences of their research focus and the application of their findings. This paper describes a meta-reflection procedure that can be used as a tool to enhance scientific responsibility and reflective practice. The point of departure is that scientific practice is situated in power relations, has direction and, consequently, power implications. The contextual preconditions and implications of research should be stated and discussed openly. The reflection method aims at revealing both upstream elements, such as for instance preconceptions, and downstream elements, for example, public consequences of research. The validity of research might improve from such discussions. Validity should preferably be understood as a broader concept than the methodological concerns in science.