Research and Publication Ethics(RPE-8005)

Assignment-1
Roll No- 2281078(CSE)
Name- Nagendra Setty PCS

Case of misconduct:
2011, a Dutch psychologist named Diederik Stapel committed academic fraud in a number of
publications over the course of ten years, spanning three different universities: the University
of Groningen, the University of Amsterdam, and Tilburg University.
Among the dozens of studies in question, most notably, he falsified data on a study which
analyzed racial stereotyping and the effects of advertisements on personal identity. The
journal Science published the study, which claimed that one particular race stereotyped and
discriminated against another particular race in a chaotic, messy environment, versus an
organized, structured one. Stapel produced another study which claimed that the average
person determined employment applicants to be more competent if they had a male voice. As
a result, both studies were found to be contaminated with false, manipulated data.
Psychologists discovered Stapel’s falsified work and reported that his work did not stand up
to scrutiny. Moreover, they concluded that Stapel took advantage of a loose system, under
which researchers were able to work in almost total secrecy and very lightly maneuver data to
reach their conclusions with little fear of being contested.
A host of newspapers published Stapel’s research all over the world. He even oversaw and
administered over a dozen doctoral theses; all of which have been rendered invalid, thereby
compromising the integrity of former students’ degrees.
“I have failed as a scientist and a researcher. I feel ashamed for it and have great regret,”
lamented Stapel to the New York Times. You can read the particulars of this fraud case here.
 Assignment-2
Roll No- 2281078(CSE)
Name- Nagendra Setty PCS
Q. Which ethics theory does the case you selected violates?
Ans : Ethical issues in computer science departments can arise from various aspects of research,
education, and professional practices. Here are a few examples of common ethical issues in computer
science.
Privacy and Data Protection:
a) Data Collection and Surveillance: The collection and analysis of personal data without appropriate
consent or knowledge of the individuals involved can raise privacy concerns. This includes practices
such as unauthorized data harvesting, facial recognition technologies, and invasive monitoring
systems.
b) Data Breaches: Insufficient security measures or unethical practices can lead to data breaches,
exposing sensitive information and compromising individuals' privacy. It is crucial to prioritize robust
data protection and adhere to ethical guidelines when handling personal data.
Algorithmic Bias and Fairness:
a) Bias in Training Data: Algorithms trained on biased or unrepresentative data can perpetuate
discrimination and bias, leading to unfair outcomes in areas such as hiring, lending, and criminal
justice. Ethical concerns arise when these biased algorithms are used without transparency or proper
mitigation strategies.
b) Lack of Diversity in AI Development: Homogeneous development teams and inadequate
representation can result in biased algorithms that do not consider the diverse needs and perspectives
of marginalized groups. Ethical considerations demand the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the
development of AI systems.
Intellectual Property and Openness:
a) Plagiarism and Unauthorized Use: Violations of intellectual property rights, such as plagiarism,
unauthorized use of software, or code reuse without proper attribution, undermine the principles of
academic integrity and intellectual property protection.
b) Openness and Collaboration: Ethical debates also surround issues related to openness and
collaboration in computer science research. Balancing openness with the need to protect sensitive
information, proprietary technology, or national security interests is a challenge that requires ethical
judgment.
Professional Conduct and Responsibility:
a) Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity: The practice of ethical hacking, while aimed at identifying and
fixing vulnerabilities, must adhere to strict ethical guidelines to prevent misuse or harm. Maintaining
responsible and ethical behavior in cybersecurity practices is vital.
b) Dual-Use Technologies: The development of technologies that can be used for both beneficial and
harmful purposes, such as surveillance systems or autonomous weapons, raises ethical dilemmas.
Computer scientists must consider the potential societal impacts of their work and act responsibly to
mitigate risks.
These examples demonstrate that ethical issues in computer science departments encompass a wide
range of concerns, emphasizing the need for ethical awareness, education, and responsible practices
throughout the field.

Home work
Q. Reflect upon the (mis) use of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution in the development of eugenics
that led to the German holocaust.
Ans-The misuse of Darwin's theory of evolution in the development of eugenics is indeed a
significant and troubling chapter in history. Eugenics is a now-discredited belief system that aimed to
improve the genetic quality of human populations through selective breeding and, in extreme cases,
enforced sterilization or even euthanasia of individuals deemed "undesirable." While it is important to
recognize that Charles Darwin himself did not advocate for eugenics, some individuals and groups
misinterpreted and distorted his ideas to support their own agendas.
Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection describes how species evolve and adapt over time
through the process of differential survival and reproduction. However, eugenics proponents took this
concept and applied it to human populations, arguing that some individuals or groups were
biologically superior or inferior based on their inherited traits. They believed that by limiting the
reproduction of those considered "inferior" and promoting the reproduction of the "superior," they
could "improve" the human race.
This misuse of Darwin's theory was particularly prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,
with eugenics gaining significant popularity and being adopted as a state policy in several countries.
The consequences were severe, as thousands of people were forcibly sterilized or subjected to other
forms of reproductive control, primarily targeting those with disabilities, mental illnesses, or
individuals from marginalized communities.
The eugenics movement reached its peak during the early 20th century, notably in countries like the
United States, Germany, and several Scandinavian nations. In the United States, for example, forced
sterilization laws were implemented in many states, leading to the sterilization of thousands of
individuals deemed "unfit" for reproduction.
The misuse of Darwin's theory of evolution to justify eugenics is a stark reminder of the dangers of
misinterpreting scientific knowledge and applying it inappropriately to human societies. It highlights
the ethical complexities that arise when scientific theories are taken out of their original context and
manipulated to support discriminatory and harmful ideologies.
It is essential to recognize and learn from these historical mistakes, ensuring that scientific knowledge
is used responsibly and with consideration for ethical principles. Modern scientific understanding of
genetics and evolution has debunked the flawed premises of eugenics, emphasizing the value of
diversity, inclusivity, and respect for individual rights and dignity.
Q. Analyse the socio-political environment of Europe and America which favoured the adoption
of eugenics almost as a state policy.
Ans: The adoption of eugenics as a state policy in Europe and America can be attributed to a
combination of socio-political factors that were prevalent during the early 20th century. It's important
to note that while eugenics was popularized during that time, it is now widely discredited and
considered unethical due to its association with forced sterilization and discriminatory practices.
1.Rise of Social Darwinism: The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the emergence of Social
Darwinism, a social theory that applied the principles of natural selection to human society. This
theory suggested that societies should intervene to prevent the reproduction of "undesirable"
individuals to improve the genetic quality of the population. Social Darwinism provided a pseudo-
scientific basis for eugenic ideologies.
2.Scientific Advances and Progressivism: The early 20th century was a time of significant scientific
advancements, including the understanding of genetics and heredity. This newfound knowledge led
some scientists, intellectuals, and policymakers to believe that they could improve society by
manipulating human genetics through eugenics. Additionally, the era was characterized by progressive
ideologies that aimed to reform society and address social problems, leading some to see eugenics as a
solution.
3.Racial and Ethnic Biases: Europe and America faced significant social tensions due to immigration,
racial conflicts, and the rise of nationalist ideologies. Some proponents of eugenics argued that certain
racial and ethnic groups were inferior, promoting ideas of racial purity and superiority. These biases
played a role in shaping eugenic policies that targeted specific groups seen as "undesirable" or a threat
to the perceived purity of the population.
4.Fear of Degeneration: The early 20th century was marked by concerns over social decay and fears
of population degeneration due to factors such as poverty, crime, and mental illness. Eugenics was
seen as a means to prevent the transmission of undesirable traits and improve the overall health and
well-being of society.
5.Political Will and State Power: Eugenics found support from influential individuals and institutions,
including politicians, scientists, and academics. The policies were often implemented through
legislation and state institutions. In some cases, eugenics became part of a broader program of social
engineering aimed at creating a "better" society, with the state having significant control over
reproductive decisions.
It is crucial to emphasize that eugenics policies had devastating consequences, including forced
sterilization, involuntary institutionalization, and other human rights abuses. The ideology behind
eugenics was eventually discredited due to its ethical implications, scientific flaws, and association
with the atrocities committed during World War II. Today, eugenics is widely condemned, and efforts
are focused on promoting human rights, equality, and inclusivity.