Research ethics: Ethical issues of data reporting and the quest for authenticity

The search for truth and its unbiased reporting are ultimate goals of condu cting scientific research. Ideally, the reporting of research data ought to be an objective task. In practice, however, it is fraught with numerous st atistical and ethical pitfalls, seldom addressed in formal emergency medici ne training. The lure of academic celebrity and related influences may pers uade researchers to report results in ways that make data appear more inter esting, or worthy of publication. Several examples of potentially misleadin g data reporting are illustrated, including using inappropriate statistical tests, neglecting negative results, omitting missing data points, failing to report actual numbers of eligible subjects, using inappropriate graph la bels or terminology, data dredging, and others. Although potentially inaccu rate or inflated methods of data reporting may not constitute overt scienti fic misconduct, the intentional misrepresentation of data is a form of frau d or deception. Publicly funded academic inquiry is a privilege and honor e njoyed by a trusted few. Regardless of outcome, every effort should be made to report data in the most scientifically accurate method. To this end, th e Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Code of Conduct and American Coll ege of Emergency Physicians Code of Ethics provide important guidance towar d the accurate, compassionate, competent, impartial, and honest conduct of scientific research. Accuracy and authenticity in data reporting are first and foremost a matter of individual integrity, and are crucial to the prese rvation of academic credibility, the protection of future patients, and the public's trust in the medical research enterprise.