RETRACTED: Theoretical study of the mechanism, regio- and stereoselectivity of Diels–Alder reactions of 5-aryl-2-pyrones with substituted alkenes

Teaching About Ethics and the Process of Science Using Retracted Publications

“…One problem with retracted literature is that the cause of retraction is not always clear (Steen, 2011a) or is not accurately reported by those involved (Fang et al, 2012), so this serves as an additional way to help students develop their critical-thinking skills. Numerous examples of retracted papers could be selected, but one that was used by students in the course is Chemouri & Mekelleche (2009), which was retracted in 2010 due to errors in the text and supplementary materials. These errors included an incorrect procedure for calculating some of the values reported in the publication.…”

“…Reason for retraction Explanation of retraction Chang & Roth, 2001 Errors in data analysis Miller, 2006Chemouri & Mekelleche, 2009 Errors in data analysis Chen & Woo, 2005 Unspecified fraud on the part of researcher Miller, 2010bDeb et al, 2006 Fabrication of data Roberts et al, 2007Lammerts van Bueren et al, 2008 Inability to replicate results Oransky, 2012Pangou, De Zoysa, & Lechon, 2011 Plagiarism of a publication from a different author Balter, 2012Wakefield et al, 1998 Failure to adhere to subject protection protocols Harris, 2010 Won et al, 2005 Missing raw data, inability to replicate results Couzin & Normile, 2008 in science (Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, 2009), it is imperative that students are aware of this problem. By using retracted articles, students gain experience reading PL at the same time as they develop an understanding of scientific ethics.…”