Ethics and Professional Conduct in Chemistry Flashcards

Authorship on an ACS journal paper should be based on which criterion according to ACS guidelines?

Answer: Substantial intellectual contribution to conception, design, execution, or interpretation

ACS authorship guidelines specify that authorship must be based on substantive intellectual contribution to the research, not hierarchical position or funding.

A chemist working in industry develops a synthesis route during employment. Who typically owns the intellectual property under standard US employment agreements?

Answer: The employer, because the work was done within the scope of employment

Under standard US employment law and most industrial contracts, inventions created within the scope of employment are owned by the employer, not the individual chemist.

Which statement about the treatment of human subjects in chemical research aligns with ACS ethical standards?

Answer: Chemical exposure studies on humans require IRB approval and informed consent

ACS ethical standards require that research involving human subjects, including chemical exposure studies, must receive IRB approval and obtain informed consent from participants.

What does the ACS principle of 'responsible use of chemicals' require of professional chemists regarding hazardous substances?

Answer: Minimize use of hazardous chemicals and dispose of waste according to regulations

ACS ethical principles call for chemists to minimize the use of hazardous substances and ensure proper disposal, reflecting both environmental and personal safety responsibilities.

When a chemist is asked to provide expert testimony in a legal case, ACS ethical guidelines require them to:

Answer: Provide objective, scientifically accurate testimony regardless of who retained them

ACS guidelines require expert witnesses to provide objective, scientifically accurate testimony; their duty is to the truth of the science, not to the interests of the retaining party.

A chemist is reviewing a grant proposal and recognizes it covers work similar to their own unpublished research. What is the ethical course of action?

Answer: Decline to review the proposal and notify the funding agency of the conflict

The ethical response is to decline the review and disclose the conflict to the funding agency, protecting confidentiality and preventing misuse of privileged information.

Which of the following best describes 'gift authorship' as defined by ACS publication ethics?

Answer: Adding an individual's name to a paper solely due to their status or seniority, without real contribution

Gift authorship is the unethical practice of listing someone as an author based on status or relationships rather than actual intellectual contribution, which ACS explicitly prohibits.