Betrayers of the Truth

A look at the state of scientific research including a history of famous frauds and mistakes. The so called safeguards of the scientific community are revealed to be not so reliable after all.

Not a great book, but a very important one. I first read _Betrayers_ in graduate school, when I was still innocent and naive, believing that no scientist would ever compromise her reputation by any form of intellectual dishonesty. Further, I believed that anyone who did would inevitably be found out--that's how the scientific method works, right? Reading this book has made me much more skeptical of claims that seem to be revolutionary, a change in my attitude toward science that has proven valuable more than once. This is a book that should be required reading for graduate students (and possibly undergraduates) in science fields. Every scientist has been tempted to write things down the way they should be instead of the way they really are, to "fudge" data or present results in the best light. The pressure of a professor, granting agency or tenure committee breathing down your neck may make the temptation to produce results at any cost much worse. Knowing the stories presented in _Betrayers of the Truth_ has made it easier for me to be scrupulously honest in my records of my work and to avoid even the most innocent forms of scientific dishonesty.I'd like to see a new edition of this, with coherent beginning-to-end coverage of some of the high-profile cases that have surfaced in the years since its original publication. Younger scientists may have a hard time piecing together a complete story from the fragments of coverage in the news and in trade magazines.

One of the best references showing controversies concerning the analysis and presentation of scientific data. From Pilttown man to Millikan case a wide variety of topics related to scientific fraud and deceit. The best introductory survey on the subject of scientific dishonesty.The main point is that we need more precise descriptions of the moral failings involved in cases of fabrication and falsification if we are to understand the causes of these defections and betrayals. The book is carefully researched and contains a wealth of material about fraud and deceit in science.