STP Ethics in Research 5

Question 1

A scientist discovers an error in a published paper after peer review. The appropriate first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Contact the journal editor to issue a correction or erratum

Answer

Authors are obligated to notify the journal and issue a correction or erratum promptly when a non-fraudulent error is discovered post-publication.

Question 2

Pre-registration of a clinical trial before participant enrollment is required primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent outcome switching and selective reporting bias

Answer

Pre-registration publicly records primary outcomes before data collection, making it impossible to switch endpoints post-hoc to achieve significance.

Question 3

Under HIPAA's Privacy Rule, a limited data set differs from fully de-identified data in that a limited data set:

Accepted Answer

Retains certain geographic and date information but removes direct identifiers

Answer

A limited data set removes direct identifiers but may retain geographic subdivisions below state level and dates, and must be governed by a data use agreement.

Question 4

An investigator conducting a dual-use research of concern (DURC) study must:

Accepted Answer

Assess potential biosecurity risks and consult institutional biosafety and biosecurity oversight bodies

Answer

DURC policies require researchers to conduct risk-benefit assessments and engage oversight bodies to mitigate misuse potential while enabling scientific progress.

Question 5

When an IRB waives the requirement for written documentation of informed consent, participants must still receive:

Accepted Answer

A verbal explanation of the study with an opportunity to ask questions

Answer

Waiving written documentation removes the signature requirement but does not eliminate the obligation to provide information and allow participants to make a voluntary, informed decision.

(STP) Scientist Training Programme Practice Test

(STP) Scientist Training Programme Practice Test

STP Ethics in Research 5