PHI 735, Spring 2012

Short Writing Assignment #3: Authorship

This assignment is due Tues. 2/7 in class. Suggested length is 2 - 3 pages typed

1. Pick a particular ethical issue in authorship (e.g., assigning credit, use of previously published data, conflict of interest disclosure, citations of related work, etc.), and describe the policies of two journals with respect to this issue.  (Ideally, try to find two journals that are in your field - some examples can be found on the RE&S authorship page, and most journals publish such policies on websites or in their issues.)

2. Describe a particular case (real or fictional) to which the policies of these two journals would apply, and explain how the stated policies would bear on this case. (It may not be entirely clear, e.g. if the standards are incomplete or open to differing interpretations.)

3.  Critically assess the policies, and suggest policy improvements if necessary. (It may be that you find both defective, or one better than the other, or both sufficient.)