Integrating Microethics and Macroethics in Graduate
Science and Engineering Education: Development and
Assessment of Instructional Models
Study-Specific Measures of Knowledge of Relevant Standards and Ethical Sensitivity
Joseph Herkert, Heather Canary, Jamison Wetmore, Karin Ellison (2011)
Knowledge of Relevant Standards
[4 domains assessed: “micro” domains of conflict of interest & data management; “macro” domains of
sustainability & military research]
Instructions: Please read each statement below. Circle “True” if you believe the statement is true.
Circle “False” if you believe the statement is false. Circle “Don’t Know” if you do not know if the
statement is true or false.
[Scoring: Bolded answers = “correct” = 2 points; “Don’t Know” = 1 point; incorrect = 0 points]
1. Social concerns are outside of researcher responsibilities.
True
False
Don’t
Know
2. There are limitations to meeting basic human needs with engineering
and science.
True
False
Don’t
Know
3. U.S. regulations regarding financial disclosures only apply to investments
within the United States.
True
False
Don’t
Know
4. Military research projects develop either offensive or defensive
capabilities rather than both.
True
False
Don’t
Know
5. There are clear standards regarding sustainability in science and
engineering.
True
False
Don’t
Know
6. Personal financial conflicts of interest are situations that create tensions
between personal financial gain and unbiased research.
True
False
Don’t
Know
7. Regulations for military funding are the same as other federal
funding.
True
False
Don’t
Know
8. Requirements regarding data ownership are standard across projects
and institutions.
True
False
Don’t
Know
Ethical Sensitivity
[See above for domains included in assessment items]
Instructions: Please read each statement below carefully. To what extent do you agree with each
statement? Please circle the number that corresponds to your agreement with each statement.
1. Financial disclosures by researchers adequately identify conflicts of interest in research projects.*
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
2. Military priorities influence the direction of engineering and science research.
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
3. Following research regulations ensures taking the correct course of action.*
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
4. Disclosure in publication of conflicts of interest sufficiently manages those conflicts.*
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
5. Data management decisions are handled adequately in procedural guidelines.*
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
6. Researchers can be assured that issues of future environmental and social consequences have been
adequately considered when project descriptions and goals are provided at the start of a new project.*
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
7. Researchers should consider the potential applications of their research when engaged in basic
research.
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
8. A professor can devote as much time to outside consulting as she/he chooses.*
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
9. Data management decisions are primarily concerned with efficiency.*
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
10. When working under the direction of a principal investigator, it should be assumed that the principal
investigator has considered broader implications of the research project.*
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
11. Researchers should consider the potential applications of their research when engaged in research
funded by private business.
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
12. Short-term outcomes of research take precedence over long-term outcomes.*
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
13. Stated project priorities might not adequately recognize impacts on sustainability.
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5
14. The research enterprise is separate from military interests.*
Strongly
Disagree
1
Disagree
2
Neither Agree
nor Disagree
3
Note: * indicates reverse score item.
Agree
4
Strongly
Agree
5