Dilemma: Flexible scope
As a junior researcher I participated in the writing of an international research proposal which was approved. Now the principal investigator tells me that we will be changing the scope of the research. As a result half of the original research questions will not be answered. The professor tells me that one should be flexible in conducting research for which external funding is required. What do I do?
A: I tell the professor I will not accept the changes. If he does not agree with me, we will have to go our separate ways.
B: I understand his arguments and carry out the research.
C: I let my supervisor decide in the matter.
D: I make an official complaint about the professor to the dean.
(We gratefully acknowledge permission to reproduce this dilemma from the “Dilemma Game. Professionalism and Integrity in Research” as developed by the Erasmus University Rotterdam (link to the game) in this tool.)