Validation and Use of a Predictive Modeling Tool: Employing Scientific Findings to Improve Responsible Conduct of Research Education

ABSTRACT

Although recent evidence suggests ethics education can be effective, the nature of specific training programs, and their effectiveness, varies considerably. Building on a recent path modeling effort, the present study developed and validated a predictive modeling tool for responsible conduct of research education. The predictive modeling tool allows users to enter ratings in relation to a given ethics training program and receive instantaneous evaluative information for course refinement. Validation work suggests the tool’s predicted outcomes correlate strongly (r = 0.46) with objective course outcomes. Implications for training program development and refinement are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Education
• ethics
• evaluation
• path model
• RCR
• responsible conduct of research
• tool
• training

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Chanda Sanders, Chris Nguyen, Li Lin, Brett Torrence, Megan Turner, Tristan McIntosh, Cory Higgs, Logan Steele, Alison Antes, Jason Borenstein, Jeffrey Engler, Michael Kalichman, Brian Martinson, and Michael Verderame for their contributions to the present effort.

Funding

The project described was supported by grant number ORIIR140010-01-00 from the Office of Research Integrity. The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Office of Research Integrity.

Additional information

Funding

The project described was supported by grant number ORIIR140010-01-00 from the Office of Research Integrity. The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Office of Research Integrity.