RCR Casebook

The RCR Casebook course is a collection of real-world ethical dilemmas designed to promote discussion, critical thinking, and skill-building in responsible conduct of research.

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About this Course

The RCR Casebook course uses case studies, role plays, and reflection questions to facilitate interactive, face-to-face discussions about real-world ethical dilemmas in research. Designed to help meet RCR training requirements, it emphasizes skill-building in ethical reasoning, decision-making, and sensitivity. Topics include Authorships and Publication, Research Misconduct, Collaboration, Data Acquisition and Management, Conflicts of Interest, Peer Review, Mentor and Trainee Relationships, and Social Responsibility.

This course is meant to supplement responsible conduct of research training covered in CITI Program’s Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) series.

Note: This course is only available for subscribing organizations who utilize the RCR series. The course is available at no additional charge.

Disclaimer: The material is a faithful, unchanged (other than reformatting to fit the CITI Program platform) duplication of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Research Integrity (ORI) RCR Casebook. It is available here at no additional charge. While the CITI Program and the ORI Trainings are identical in substantive content, ORI is not responsible for the accuracy of the content reproduction, operation, or record keeping related to the RCR Casebook programs on the CITI Program website and does not endorse CITI Program or any of its products or services.

Language Availability: English

Suggested Audiences: Institutional Officials, RCR Trainers, Researchers

Organizational Subscription Price: Included in the Responsible Conduct of Research series, which is available as part of an organizational subscription package or for $675 per year/per site as a subscription add-on for government and non-profit organizations; $750 per year/per site as a subscription add-on for for-profit organizations
Independent Learner Price: N/A

Demo Instructions

Course Content

RCR Casebook: Introduction

This module defines ethical decision-making and describes the aims and structure of the casebook.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21765 (English)
Author(s): Office of Research Integrity

RCR Casebook: Authorship and Publication

The module explores common dilemmas around assigning and ordering authors on research publications.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21766 (English)
Author(s): Office of Research Integrity

RCR Casebook: Research Misconduct

This module defines research misconduct and explores how such actions can waste public funds, harm public health and safety, and compromise the integrity of the research process.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21767 (English)
Author(s): Office of Research Integrity

RCR Casebook: Collaboration

This module delves into the complexities of joint research efforts, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, defined roles, and mutual respect among collaborators to navigate challenges such as authorship disputes, data integrity issues, and cultural differences.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21768 (English)
Author(s): Office of Research Integrity

RCR Casebook: Data Acquisition and Management

This module addresses ethical challenges in collecting, storing, and sharing research data, emphasizing the importance of informed consent, data protection, and transparency.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21769 (English)
Author(s): Office of Research Integrity

RCR Casebook: Conflicts of Interest

This module examines how personal, financial, and institutional interests can influence researchers' objectivity and ethical responsibilities, highlighting the need for transparency, disclosure, and management to maintain research integrity.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21770 (English)
Author(s): Office of Research Integrity

RCR Casebook: Peer Review

This module highlights the critical yet imperfect role that peer review plays in science—enhancing study quality, ensuring accountability, and allocating resources—while underscoring the need for timeliness, expertise, confidentiality, unbiased judgment, and the transparent management of conflicts of interest.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21771 (English)
Author(s): Office of Research Integrity

RCR Casebook: Mentor and Trainee Relationships

This module emphasizes that effective research mentorship relies on clear, mutual expectations, open communication, and supportive guidance to foster trainees’ professional development, while acknowledging the inherent power dynamics and potential conflicts that must be managed ethically.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21772 (English)
Author(s): Office of Research Integrity

RCR Casebook: Social Responsibility

This module explores researchers’ obligations to the common good, highlighting ethical reflection on research priorities, societal and environmental impact, public engagement, and the responsible use and communication of knowledge in service of society.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 21773 (English)
Author(s): Office of Research Integrity

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