Additional Information
TEACHING ETHICS THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM
Case 60. Dissemination of Research Findings
Situation
Darlene Johnson, a sociologist, had conducted a study of relationships
between children and parents after divorce. She interviewed custodial,
non-custodial, and joint custodial parents and their children over a
period of three years. Darlene conducted this work on her own while
teaching at a small college. She had completed analysis of her data and
written a preliminary draft of her findings, when she changed positions
and joined a survey research firm which conducts national surveys for
the U.S. government.
She has been working at this firm for two years. Darlene works very
long hours and often travels in connection with her new job. She has
not found any time to complete work on her study of divorce.
Periodically she hears from colleagues interested in the findings of
her study. Darlene is reluctant to send her preliminary draft of
results because it is incomplete. However, she realizes that as long as
she remains at her current job, she will not have the time to finalize
her paper on the study.
Questions
Is Darlene obligated to write-up and disseminate the
results of her study of divorce? Are there ways that Darlene could
complete and disseminate her results? Should she send the existing
draft to colleagues who request it?
Reflect on the above questions and form your
own answers before clicking the Discussion
key to review the commentary provided with this case.
