The internet is a powerful medium for information dissemination. But since it is also unregulated, much disinformation, including AIDS denialism is spread on the web. Maxine Clarke's recent article on the ethics of science publishing on the web [1] is therefore highly topical. It is included in a special theme section on the ethics of science journalism [2] being built by the journal Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics.
Clarke, M. Ethics of science communication on the web.
ABSTRACT: Scientists have evolved a unit of communication to describe their new results and findings: the peer-reviewed scientific paper. The internet is full of erroneous and even dangerous information that is difficult for people without a scientific education or training to interpret in context, particularly given the uncertainties inherent in the scientific process. Those interpreting science for the public, whether journalists, educators or other communicators, should use peer review as a benchmark.
KEY WORDS: Publishing · Science · Peer review · Internet · Research
Download the paper [1].
Links:
[1] http://www.int-res.com/articles/esep2009/9/journalism/e009pp2.pdf
[2] http://www.int-res.com/journals/esep/theme-sections/ethics-of-science-journalism/