Responsible Conduct in Data Management
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Decision Tree
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During an archaeological excavation, a researcher uncovers what appears to be an ancient Native American burial site with a sizable population of human remains. This researcher intends to record their provenience and transport the material to a university laboratory to conduct a series of tests including carbon dating, determination of gender, age at time of death, and flora analyses.

Meanwhile, local Native American groups learn of the researcher's activities and intention. A representative of the groups contacts the archaeologist and request that the remains not be moved from their original location, and that they be reburied without study, eliminating the possibility of examination. How should the researcher proceed?

Taking the role of the researcher, decide to act on one of the following options:

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Honor the request, while noting what data was uncovered and rebury the remains.

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Challenge the right of the Native American groups to request reburial by contacting state agencies in order to review statutes allowing archaeological research.

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Attempt to compromise by not removing remains from burial grounds and conducting limited field examination.