The fast development and release of automated tools is transforming how we conduct research. Many of these tools (technologies) appear to be very powerful: allowing us to do our work much faster, and maybe more efficiently.
But they create a question: as we integrate these tools into our scholarly work, how do we ensure that we are not just doing things faster, but also doing them right?
I came across a blog post, "Don't Seek Permission: Center Values" by Mark Dingemanse, a professor at Radboud University in the Netherlands, on my Bluesky feed. He articulated this challenge and provided an inspiring answer. He argues that our focus should shift from the tools themselves to the timeless academic values we must uphold. His insight is the inspiration for this post: instead of asking "Can I use this tool?", we should be asking, "How does my use of this tool align with the principles of honesty, rigor, and integrity?"
At HKUST, we do not need to start from scratch to answer this question. Our own Research Integrity Policy and Guidelines already provide the framework.
The policy has four core principles:
- honesty, rigor and integrity;
- objectivity and accuracy;
- accountability and the duty of care; and
- respect for life and the public good.
These principles are tool-neutral by design. They focus on what good research requires of us regardless of the tools we use.
Mindful Choice: The Values-Driven Check
We can translate these principles into a simple Values Centered Research Integrity Check. Before adopting any tool or method, map your intended use against the four principles. Don't start by asking whether a tool or method is permitted. Start by asking whether your use of it holds up.
Here is a working template. Give it a try!
| I want to… | Honesty, Rigor & Integrity | Objectivity & Accuracy | Accountability & Duty of Care | Respect for Life & Public Good |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Describe your intended action] I will use ___ to do ________ | Does this uphold or undermine these principles? | Does this uphold or undermine these principles? | Does this uphold or undermine these principles? | Does this uphold or undermine these principles? |
| How might it uphold? | How might it uphold? | How might it uphold? | How might it uphold? | |
| How might it undermine? | How might it undermine? | How might it undermine? | How might it undermine? |
As you go through this thinking exercise, remember that questions of research integrity are not new. For centuries, researchers have fabricated information and data, looked for and published biased results, lied to and/or abused fellow researchers, authors, and experimental subjects, etc. with no tools (just voice), or basic tools like pen, paper, and printing press. If we center integrity principles as we conduct research, we will be able to come to good decisions and methods.
So, the next time a new tool or method arrives with a promise of speed or efficiency, resist the instinct to ask someone else for permission "Is it OK to use this?" Instead, consider the Values Centered Research Integrity Check and work through the four principles yourself. See if or where your intended use holds up and where it does not.
Doing research and sharing results is and should be mindful, thoughtful, and careful. Taking the time to carefully consider the choices we make in our research is vital, not an add-on. May we all do research with high integrity!
