Conflicts of Interest

[daibhidc]

Sometimes I wonder if some people understand how conflicts of interest work.

If Professor Bloggs publishes a study saying that we should eat three slices of toast a day because this is the only way to avoid contracting the Dreaded Lurgy, and then it comes out that he's a highly-paid advisor for the Toast Marketing Board then, yes, we should give his results a cynical glance.

If Professor Bloggs publishes a study saying that we should eat three slices of toast a day because this is the only way to avoid contracting the Dreaded Lurgy, and then it comes out that he's donating money to the Toast For All Charitable Fund, then I'm somewhat less shocked. In fact, if he genuinely believes his results, I would look askance at him if he didn't.

(No, I don't have specific examples in mind right at this minute, but I know I've seen them.)

Comments

[agoodwinsmith.livejournal.com]

I've been thinking about this. I think it might depend on how much money Bloggs was donating, and then what the money does after donation. If he supplies the majority of the operating costs for the TFACF, that's a problem. Also, if the fund then funds the studies, that may also be a problem - although I can think of ways to protect the studies's reputations.

I suspect it may be the size of the donation. I-gave-at-the-office amounts are probably fine.

[daibhid-c.livejournal.com]

Both good points I hadn't thought of, thanks!