<< Previous Section | < Previous Page | Next Page > | Next Section >> Professionalism in Science Professionalism in science denotes a pattern of behavior identified with scientific integrity that, in turn provides certain privileges. Like other professionals, scientists are expected to behave with intellectual honesty and excellence in thinking and doing. In many respects they perform their professional activities as a monopoly, licensed by society similar to doctors, nurses, lawyers, hairdressers, accountants, and real estate brokers. Besides providing their expertise, professionals are supposed to behave collegially and teach the skills to others, and put society's needs first in their professional activity. In response, society gives them a great deal of autonomy in conducting their professional lives. With scientists, that means selection of one's own research problems and methods of procedure. They also are given the responsibilities to allocate funding, and review of their output in publications. Like other professions they are given responsibility for discipline in the event of poor performance or malfeasance. When self-regulation fails to sustain honesty and high quality, society imposes rules and laws to maintain its interests in professional quality. Elements of Professionalism: Intellectual honesty Excellence in thinking and doing Collegiality and openness Autonomy and responsibility Self-regulation << Previous Section | < Previous Page | Next Page > | Next Section >> Chapter 1 Quick Links The Ethical Basis of RCRH The Nature of Science Research Integrity Professionalism in Science Practical Elements of Responsible Research Conduct Cases Bibliography Chapter 1 Download (PDF)