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Perspectives of key stakeholders on essential virtues for good scientific practice in research

Objective: In contrast to the principle-based approach to ethics and research integrity training which stresses the importance of following moral rules, the virtue-based approach focuses on the development of good character traits. The aim of this study is to involve a broad range of experts and stakeholders in order to answer which virtues should be stimulated and prioritised in training for good research practice. Method: We will conduct two mixed focus groups meetings which will include a total number of 24 participants. We will use a heterogeneous stratified purposive sample to reach participants from different research domains: academics, research integrity committees, policy makers, funding and process organizations, students, industry and SME. We developed a discussion guide with questions that address three topics: 1) understanding of scientific virtues, 2) the relationship between virtues and research, and 3) learning of scientific virtues. After transcription, two researchers will provide the coding of the themes based on the participants’ comments. All analyses will be done using the NVivo 11 software. Results: We conducted the first focus group (n=14) on October 2, and are currently transcribing the discussion for theme coding. After the analysis of the results from the first focus group, we will adjust the scripts for the second focus group meeting in order to allow further in- depth discussion of the identified topics and then conduct the second focus group. The second focus group is planned in January of February 2019. Conclusion: In order to develop a virtue-based training programme, it is necessary to further develop the evidence base regarding which virtues will allow researchers to go beyond mere compliance of rules and codes by motivating them to strive for excellence in themselves and their practices. The results of the focus groups will be taken into account directly in the development of the training programme and materials as a part of the European project VIRT2UE.

research integrity ; research ethics ; virtue ethics ; training ; education

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