Putting an Ethics Training Program Online: It May Be More Complicated Than We Think.

Abstract

This project evaluated the online implementation of a Responsible Conduct of Research/Professional Ethics Training for graduate students. The program was offered as a video-streamed remote, real-time training with an in-person option. Effectiveness of the remote program was evaluated using multiple measures: perceptions of ethical dilemmas, ethical decision-making, and reactions to the training. Pre-post training comparisons indicated participants' scores were lower after training on some outcomes. Results comparing training modalities suggest post-training reductions in scores were largely driven by remote participants. In-person participants performed significantly better on several measures compared to remote participants. All participants had favorable reactions to the program. Results suggest that putting an ethics training online may require an innovative approach to program development, better planning and preparation by the training institution, and more research, to determine the most effective way to proceed.