Science Reaction Rate Between an Acid and Metal Investigation Essay Example for Free

Science Reaction Rate Between an Acid and Metal Investigation Essay PROBLEM/RESEARCH QUESTION In this investigation, a controlled experiment will be conducted to determine whether the varying concentration of an acid alters its reaction rate with a metal substance and if so, what is the resultant relationship between the rate of reaction and the concentration of the acid. In particular, we will be reacting Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) with Magnesium metal (Mg) and collect data based on the resultant hydrogen gas produced by the reaction. Word Equation: Magnesium + Sulfuric Acid → Hydrogen gas + Magnesium Sulfate Balanced Equation: Mg (S) + H2SO4 (aq) → MgSo4 (aq) + H2 (g) Research will be formulated by conducting a controlled experiment in which we will react 0. 05g of Magnesium metal ribbons (Mg) with 10mL of four different H2SO4 (Sulfuric Acid) solutions varying in concentration and determine the time it takes for the reaction to produce 20mL of Hydrogen gas with each varying concentration. HYPOTHESIS I hypothesise that as the concentration of the H2SO4 solution increases/strengthens (measured in molarity mass), it will correspond to an increased/quicker rate of reaction with Mg metal. Hence, I also hypothesise that based on the above premise- the 2M solution of H2SO4 would be the quickest to produce 20mL of H2 gas when reacted with magnesium, as it is the strongest of the four concentrations being trialed. My hypothesis is based upon the scientific reasoning that a more concentrated solution has more particles of the altering reactant (in this case H2SO4) present in a specific volume/amount of space than those present in a more dilute solution. Hence, at a higher concentration, particles are more likely to collide and react with one another, forming a larger number of new bonds between the two reactants. The â€Å"Collision Theory† (which summaries the previous sentences) infers that the rate of reaction is impacted by how often molecules collide with one another. This can be applied to my hypothesis to suggest that with the occurrence of more collisions in the reaction- due to a higher percentage of particles in the more concentrated H2SO4 solutions- it will result in the formation of more bonds and hence, lead to a quicker rate of reaction between two reactants, leading to a quicker production of 20mL of H2 gas. Macintosh HD:Users:160161:Desktop:Screen Shot 2015-03-22 at 2.41.05 pm.png VARIABLES The independent variable (the variable being changed): The independent variable is going to be the varying concentration- measured in molarity mass (M)- of Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution. Four different concentrations will be trialed- 0.5M, 1.0M, 1.5M and 2.0M- each three times and then averaged out so that we achieve a more accurate result. We will alter this variable by changing the concentration of the H2SO4 solution in order to determine a relationship between the strength of an acid and its rate of reaction with a metal substance (in this case: Magnesium metal). The different concentrations have been prepared in the laboratory before the experiment and hence, we do not have to self-prepare the concentrations in class. The dependent variable (the variable being measured): The dependent variable is going to be the varying rate of reaction between a magnesium metal ribbon (Mg) and different concentrations of sulfuric acid (H2SO4). In particular, we will measure and record the time taken by the reaction to produce 20 mL of hydrogen gas in an inverted measuring cylinder. This will indicate the rate at which each concentration reacts and allow us to draw conclusions on how altering the concentration affects the rate of reaction between an acid solution and metal substance. We will measure this variable through the application of a stopwatch and gather recordings/data in seconds. The stopwatch will start when 10mL of H2SO4 is poured into the test tube, reacting with the magnesium ribbon, and will stop timing when the volume of water in the inverted measuring cylinder has decreased by 20mL- indicating that it has been replaced with an equivalent amount of hydrogen gas. The control variables (the variables kept the same): The other variables, which we need to keep constant, are: * The volume of H2SO4 being added to each reaction. This will be kept constant throughout the investigation by accurately measuring 10mL of H2SO4 solution for each trial in a measuring cylinder. This is vital for a fair test as varying it would mean that reaction rate is not only being altered by the effects of varying concentration but also that of volume. * The same climatic conditions present around the experiment. The climatic conditions, in particular temperature will remain the same throughout the experiment to prevent natural processes and disturbance from impacting the experiment. These will be kept the same as no windows will be opened or closed and the air conditioning will not change in temperature or switch on/off after the experiment has started. Temperature, itself, possesses the ability to change the rate of reaction and hence, it is vital to keep it controlled and constant so that the results only reflect the impact of varying concentration. * The same mass of Magnesium (Mg) ribbon to be reacted with the H2SO4 solution (0.05g). The laboratory technician will keep this constant beforehand, as they will provide us with the pre-cut ribbons for our experiment. This mass has been chosen, as it is a sufficient for a distinct reaction to be witnessed in a suitable period of time. * Preventing cross contamination from occurring between trials and different concentrations of H2SO4 solution. To prevent cross contamination, we will clean the two measuring cylinders and test tube with distilled water before each trial, ensuring that no residue from previous trials remain in either of the instruments. * The target volume of H2 gas to be produced by the reaction in each trial- 20mL. This will be kept constant by first determining the ideal amount and then clearing calculating on the measuring cylinder 20mL less than the water level inside it so that it is clear during the trial when to stop the stopwatch. Pre-determining a target volume is vital for us to be able to effectively compare and form a relationship between the concentrations of H2SO4 and time taken to produce the same amount of hydrogen gas. * The same person handling the stopwatch during the experiment. Identifying one group member to handle and use the stopwatch before the experiment and then ensuring that he only handles it during each trial will control this variable. It is vital to reduce the impact human error and keep the experiment as accurate as possible. ALL EQUIPMENT IS TO BE KEPT CONSTANT TROUGHT THE EXPERIMENT TO OBTAIN CONSISTENCY EXPERIMENTAL PLAN Materials/Equipment: * 1x Test Tube * 1x Delivery Tube * 1x Rubber Stopper * 2x 50mL Measuring Cylinders * 1x Plastic Container * 1x Retort Stand and Clamp Set * 1x Laptop * 1x Desk * 1x Stopwatch * 2x Distilled Water Bottles * 12x 0.05g Magnesium Ribbons * 2500mL of water (H2O) * 30mL of each H2SO4 Solution (0.5M, 1M, 1.5M 2M concentrations) Macintosh HD:Users:171321:Desktop:Screen Shot 2015-03-16 at 8.27.40 pm.png Setup Plan: Independent Variable Control Variable Control Variable Control Variable Dependent Variable Concentration of H2SO4 solution (M) Total volume of H2SO4 solution per trial (mL) Mass of Mg ribbons added to reaction each trial (g) Amount of Hydrogen gas produced per trial (mL) Method: 1. Collect all necessary equipment from the equipment table- all equipment should be in one tray. 1. Setup the retort stand and clamp on a stable desk. The clamp should be fixed approximately half way up the stand. 1. Open up Photo Booth or a similar video/image-capturing program on a laptop so that evidence of the experiment and setup can be visually shown. 1. Place the plastic, ice-cream container on the desk adjacent to the retort stand and fill it 2/3 of the way up with water from the tap. 1. Fill one of the measuring cylinders with 100mL of water and place inverted into plastic container. Ensure to cover top with hand until fully submerged into container so to prevent leakage of water. 1. Take delivery tube (with rubber stopper attached to one end) and place through inverted cylinder (side without rubber stopper). This should not be difficult, as water pressure of plastic container will keep 100mL in measuring cylinder whilst tube is being inserted. 1. Measure out 10mL of the 0.5M, H2SO4 solution in second measuring cylinder and pour into large test tube. 1. (Start of trial) Place one strip of magnesium ribbon (0.05g) into large test tube and immediately cover top of tube with rubber stopper end of delivery tube. Ensure that it is firmly attached and air tight. As soon as reaction begins with H2SO4 solution already in test tube, start timing the rate of reaction using the stopwatch. 1. Measure and record the time it takes for the water level in the inverted measuring cylinder to decrease by 20mL. This will indicate that it has been replaced by 20mL of hydrogen gas. 1. Reset the experiment by rinsing the measuring cylinders and test tube with distilled water; refill the inverted measuring cylinder with 100mL of water and carefully place back into plastic container with delivery tube passing through it. 1. Measure another 10mL of 0.5M, H2SO4 solution in second measuring cylinder and pour into test tube. 1. Repeat steps 8 and 9 again, adding the 0.05g, Mg ribbon to the reaction in the test tube, cap of the test tube with the rubber stopper end of the delivery tube and time until 20mL of H2 gas has been produced in inverted measuring cylinder. 1. Rinse all equipment with distilled water once trial 2 is completed and measure out another 10mL of 0.5M, H2SO4 solution. Reset experiment like in step 10 and pour measured solution into clean test tube. 1. Begin trial 3 and repeat steps 8 and 10 again. If the previous two trials yielded similar results, trial 3 should also be of similar time length. If at the end of three trials, there is an anomaly within them, it may be required to complete a fourth trial to clean up data. 1. Repeat steps 7-14 again with the 1M, 1.5M and 2M H2SO4 solutions. The process is the same with the only variable changing being the concentration of H2SO4. 1. Once finished, record gathered results onto laptop and return all equipment. Ensure to clean all test tubes and measuring cylinders with distilled water before returning. 2. Write up report, ensuring to include a marked-scattered graph and results table with averages established for each concentration of H2SO4 tested. If required, process the data to achieve a desired relationship between the two variables. *NOTE: Capture pictures throughout experiment with the laptop and remember to write down all observations. RESULTS Results Table: Time Taken To Produce 20mL of Hydrogen Gas (sec) From a Reaction Between Magnesium Metal (Mg) and Different Concentrations (M) of Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) Concentration Of H2SO4 (M) Time Taken to Produce 20mL of Hydrogen Gas (sec) Graph: I think the best kind of graph to use to display these results would be to create a marked line graph with a line of best fit (Trendline): Observations Throughout the investigation we collected and gathered observations using our five senses, with the sound of the reaction, the sight of the reaction and the heat of test tube all extending our knowledge and understanding of this phenomenon. The fizzing sound that the reaction was creating was because of the chemical bonding taking place between the metal and acid. The fizzing was also visible to the eye, as when the magnesium was added to the reaction in the test tube, it combined with the H2SO4 and produced bubbles. Furthermore, particles of higher concentration H2SO4 collided and reacted with the magnesium particles to produce magnesium sulfate and hydrogen gas at a quicker rate. The heat developed in the test tube also varied significantly with more concentrated solutions radiating warmer temperatures due to higher levels of friction and energy in the reaction. DATA PROCESSING The relationship achieved in the above graph between the two variables is of a quadratic, inverse relationship with no modifications made to the data. To achieve a linear relationship between the independent and dependent variable, me must process and modify the results. This is outlined in the table below: Concentration Of H2SO4 (M) Modification Rule New Value of Independent Variable (graphed) Time Taken to Produce 20mL of Hydrogen Gas (sec)- Average Modification Rule New Value of Dependent Variable (graphed) 0.5M 1/r Graph: I think the best kind of graph to use to display the modified results would be to create a marked line graph with a line of best fit (Trendline): DISCUSSION Our results show a wide range of relationships between the data. For instance, the shape of our initial graph shows an inverse, quadratic relationship between the concentration of H2SO4 and time required to produce 20mL of H2 gas from its reaction with Mg metal. The polynomial trend line displays this relationship in the first, raw data graph with an equation of y = 602 254x + 350, creating a â€Å"minimum† parabola. From here, we were able to deduce a set of modified results- taking into account two specific rules required to develop a linear relationship from an existing inverse relationship (represented in the table above). Macintosh HD:Users:160161:Desktop:Screen Shot 2015-03-23 at 7.03.05 pm.png Hence, the second graph provides us with a linear relationship between the two variables in that it possesses a straight line with the equation: y = x + 350. The value of the modified gradient is one, signifying that for every additional 1/0.5M rise in concentration of H2SO4; an equivalent ratio of decrease is experienced for the time taken to produce 20mL of H2 gas. In relation to the research question, our data collected clearly shows that the rate of reaction between an acid and metal substances is quickened by an increase in concentration of the acid substance. The data looks fairly reliable as there are no anomalies or outlier’s present- with the data plotted on the marked scattered graph all being located along the trend line which intersects each mark near-perfectly, suggesting the data’s accuracy with the rule. However, there was slight variation between the three trials of each concentration, suggesting slight variation between the conditions for each trial. CONCLUSION The results gathered are sufficient and clearly show a distinct relationship detailing that the stronger the concentration of the H2SO4 solution, the quicker/faster its rate of reaction with magnesium metal, proving my hypothesis valid as I had hypothesized that â€Å"as the concentration of the H2SO4 solution increases/strengthens (measured in molarity mass), it will correspond to an increased/quicker rate of reaction with Mg metal†. Evidence from the data collected shows that the strongest concentration of H2SO4 (2M) only required an average of 80secs to produce 20mL of H2 gas, where as the most dilute solution trialed (0.5M) required an average of 240secs- more than any other trialed concentration. There is enough evidence to show that unless the data is modified and processed, a linear relationship is not formed between the two variables, indicating that there is no direct proportionality between the increase in concentration and time taken to produce 20mL of hydrogen gas. This occurs because the reaction between H2SO4 and Mg is an exothermic reaction so a small amount of energy has been released/transferred out of the experiment as the reaction progressed. EVALUATION Our experiment went quite well and we were able to collect all the necessary readings required. We encountered very few problems during the course of the experiment and were able to conduct three trials for each H2SO4 concentration, thus improving the reliability of our data and deeming the experiment fair and valid. We had a sufficient sample size of four different concentrations at equal intervals of 0.5M-adequate for this experiment and allowing for a conclusive relationship to be established. The extensive range of data collected through the conduction of three trials for each concentration of H2SO4 allowed us to obtain an accurate trend line and formulate justifiable conclusions. Furthermore, our results for each concentration of H2SO4 were similar each trial with no major outliers in the data, implying that our control of the constant variables was successful, all data was precise and accurate averages were deemed. Analyzing our results, we were able to achieve the phenomena (affects of concentration on the rate of reaction between a metal and acid substance) we were interested in and hence were able to answer our research question in the affirmative that the concentration of an acid (in this Sulfuric acid) does effect its reaction of rate with magnesium metal, with the relationship being that an increase in concentration (molar mass) equates to an increased/quicker rate of reaction- evidenced by the time taken to produce 20mL of hydrogen gas. Our method was fairly clear, concise and allowed us collect our data in a fairly orderly way, doing so for most tests. It allowed us to complete the experiment with accuracy excluding the effects of the one, major problem (mentioned above) that were inevitable based on the way the experiment was conducted. Although our method and experimental plan were quite accurate, easy to understand and allowed us to achieve our target of determining a distinct and logical relationship, there are still many improvements that could be made to it to improve the validity of our results and further experiments could be carried out to extend this investigation. These include: * Completely eliminating human impact in the experiment by a valve of some sort to add the magnesium ribbons to the reaction in the test tube with the rubber stopper already firmly attached to the test tube. This will mean that the slight deviation in data is not experienced. * Using a larger sample size- (i.e. 8-10 different concentrations of H2SO4) so that the relationship gathered can be further strengthened and backed up by more evidence. * Investigate whether changing the concentration of H2SO4 has an impact on the time it takes for the reaction to reach equilibrium (the end of the reaction) and form a relationship from there. * Use different types of acids and metals with different properties to investigate if the rate of reaction is similar to that between Sulfuric acid and magnesium or it is quicker/slower. * Trialing different factors that affect the rate of reaction such as temperature or agitation and evaluating their influence compared to that of altering the concentration.

The Quest :: essays research papers

CHAPTER 1 There is a beautiful land called Taylem. It has no cities, just little districts spread across the land. The districts are like villages where everything the village needs is grown and made in the district. The country is a beautiful place of rolling hills, dense forests and plenty of natural wildlife. The districts are not joined by nasty concrete roads but instead they have dirt or cobblestone roads made by people in the districts. There are no cars, planes, busses or trains in Taylem. People get around by horse and cart, home-made bikes, and boats. The country that borders Taylem is called Barstland. It is not as nice as Taylem but more people live there. Anyway, Barstland claimed that Taylem used to belong to them. But what they really wanted was the natural resources that Taylem had so much of. There was an abundance of gold, diamonds, timber, coal, and plenty of fresh water. So with that excuse they invaded Taylem. In Taylem there is a certain man named Figmo. He is 25 years old. His district has not yet been affected by the war. His dream and goal has always been to be an adventure hero, but he never had the chance in such a peaceful country. He is a man who has the gifts of an adventure hero. He is very resourceful, skilful, and very, very brave. He is tall, thin, good looking, and very clever. Even though he has all these qualities, he has a bad habit of sometimes being influenced by the pressure of others. Both of Figmo's parents had died when he was 20 years old leaving him a sailing ship called "The Jubilee". Everything on the Jubilee was made up of solid timber with plenty of gold because of the abundance of them in Taylem. Even though Figmo has no brothers or sisters, he has a very close friend named Grest. They are the same age and they have been friends since they were children. Grest is a good companion to have around because he is very encouraging. He is very good at following instructions but not good at giving them. Figmo also has a cousin called Kab. Kab is the kind of guy you just have to love. He is a chubby, funny sort of guy who could make everybody laugh in the midst of the worst situations. His biggest problem is that sometimes he takes his jokes too far. He is 23 years old. Grest has a fiance called Tashi. She is very attractive and she is very athletic.

Movie review jobs

The movie I choose to write my review on is not one of my all-time favorites movies but the person who the movie is based on has been huge interest to me since I heard his story. The movie is titled â€Å"Jobs†; it is based on the true story of Steve Jobs, one most innovating men in 21st century. The movie is a series of events in Stave's life that started from when is Just dropping out of college to when he is a success business man. In the movie you can expect his struggle of trying to build a innovative technology company during the time of early technology boom.One of my favorite things about the movie â€Å"Jobs† is how inspiring it is. How despite all the negative people and things he still finds a way to focus on his dream or goal. One of my quotes form the movie â€Å"here's to the crazy ones the misfits the rebels the trouble makers the round pegs in the square holes the people that are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the one who do† Steve Jobs. The quote is taken from one of my favorite scenes towards the end of the movie when he starting to realize why is doing things. If I had to give an award to the best actor In this film â€Å"Job† It would have to go toGaston Catcher. Gaston played the role of main character Steve Jobs, Gaston was able absorb many of Steve mannerisms such as the way Steve spoke with his hands to the way he walked. Something I was surprised to see from Gaston was how he played the part with so much emotion ad passion. You cannot forget the great acting by the support role Josh Gad. Josh did a great Job In playing a funny type role In the beginning and then towards the end a very serious and passionate role. I also have to give a round of applause to the director In picking the actors.At the end when the reedit were rolling they had picture of the actor and the actual people they played and they all looked Identical. There wasn't much I didn't Like about the movie. One thing that did stand out was that the movie was cut short. As fan of Steve Jobs I'm Interested to see how the story continues. Growing up In the time when he was around I know that there was much more of the his story to tell. I have a feeling they left off were they did for a second film. (Which Is a shame). The movie â€Å"Jobs† Is full of passion, hope, selfishness, love and Innovation.I think his Is a movie that everyone should watch but who I think would enjoy the movie most would be anyone Interested In technology, college student or Interested In learning about a man who changed the world. Even with the movie being cut short I still found that this movie was an Inspiration to me. If I had to give an award to the best actor in this film â€Å"Job† it would have to go to support role Josh Gad. Josh did a great Job in playing a funny type role in the to give a round of applause to the director in picking the actors. At the end when the and they all looked identical.There wasn't much I didn't like about the movie. One thing that did stand out was that the movie was cut short. As fan of Steve Jobs I'm interested to see how the story continues. Growing up in the time when he was around I know that there was much film. (Which is a shame). The movie â€Å"Jobs† is full of passion, hope, selfishness, love and innovation. I think this is a movie that everyone should watch but who I think would enjoy the movie most would be anyone interested in technology, college student or interested in still found that this movie was an inspiration to me.

Types Of Frauds In Government - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 9 Words: 2602 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/07/31 Category Politics Essay Level High school Topics: Government Essay Did you like this example? Â  There are many types of frauds in government make by govt. servants and also ministers.In research now a days fraud ratio increase in govt. sector.Research fraud explain by current issue given below- Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Types Of Frauds In Government" essay for you Create order Recent cases of research misconduct In April 2016, a former University of Queensland professor, Bruce Murdoch, received a two-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to 17 fraud-related charges. A number of these arose from an article he published in the European Journal of Neurology, which asserted a breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinsons disease. The sentencing magistrate found that Murdoch forged consent forms for study participants and that his research was such as to give false hope to Parkinsons researchers and Parkinsons sufferers.She found there was no evidence at all that Murdoch had conducted the clinical trial on which his purported findings were based.Murdochs plea of guilty and evidence that he was suffering from severe depression and dealing with a cancer diagnosis were factors that resulted in his jail sentence being suspended. In 2015, Anna Ahimastos, who was employed at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, admitted to fabricating research on blood-pressure medications published in two international journals.The research purported to establish that for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), intermittent claudication (a condition in which exercise induces cramping pain in the leg) treatment with a particular drug resulted in significant improvements.It had significant ramifications for treatment of PAD and, presumably not coincidentally, also for uptake of the drug. Ahimastos research was later retracted from the Journal of the American Medical Association following an internal investigation by the Baker Institute. However, while she lost her employment, she was not criminally charged. In recent years, other research fraud cases have been reported around the world, such as that involving anesthesiologist Scott Reuben, who faked at least 21 papers on his research on analgesia therapy.His work sought to encourage surgeons to move away from the first generation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to multi-modal therapy utilising the newer COX-2 inhibitors. Reuben was a prominent speaker on behalf of large pharmaceutical companies that produced the COX-2 drugs. After it emerged that he had forged the name of an alleged co-author and that in a study that purported to have data in relation to 200 patients, no data existed at all, he was charged with criminal fraud in relation to spurious research between 2000 and 2008.He was sentenced to six months imprisonment after the plea on his behalf emphasised the toll that the revelations had taken upon his mental health. In 2015, in the most highly publicised criminal case in the area so far, biomedical scientist Dong Pyou-Han, at Iowa State University, was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment for fabricating and falsifying data in HIV vaccine trials. He was also ordered to pay back US$7.2 million to the government agency that funded his research. Harm caused by fake research More commonly, though, instances of comparable fraud have not resulted in criminal chargesin spite of the harm caused. In the Netherlands, for instance, over 70 articles by social psychology celebrity psychologist Diederik Stapel were retracted. His response was to publish a book, entitled in English Derailment, telling all about how easy it was to engage in scholarly fraud and what it was that led him to succumb to the temptation to do so. The book gives memorable insights into the mind of an academic fraudster, including his grandiose aspirations to be the acknowledged leader in his field: My desire for clear simple solutions became stronger than the deep emotions I felt when I was confronted with the ragged edges of reality. It had to be simple, clear, beautiful and elegant. It had to be too good to be true. And then theres the notorious case of the Japanese scientist Haruko Obokata, who claimed to have triggered stem-cell abilities in regular body cells. An inability to replicate her findings resulted in an investigation. The inquiry revealed not just fraud in her postdoctoral stem cell research, but major irregularities in her doctorate. This resulted in the removal of her doctoral qualification, retraction of the papers, professional disgrace and resignation from her employment. But the ripple effect was much wider. Obokatas co-author/supervisor committed suicide. There was a large reduction in government funding of the research establishment that employed her. Her line of research into cells that have the potential to heal damaged organs, repair spinal cords and treat diseases such as Alzheimers and diabetes was discredited, and grave questions were asked about the academic glitches that allowed her to obtain her PhD.Despite this, Obokata too published a book denying impropriety and displacing responsibility for her conduct onto others. Accountability issue It is easy to dismiss such examples of intellectual dishonesty as aberrationsrotten apples in an otherwise healthy scholarly barrelor to speak of excessive pressures on researchers to publish. But there is a wider accountability issue and a cultural problem within the conduct and supervision of research, as well as with how it is published. A review of the 2,047 retractions listed in PubMed as of May 2012 found that 67.4% were attributable to misconduct. This included fraud or suspected fraud (43.4%), duplicate publication (14.2%) and plagiarism (9.8%). This does not prove that the incidence of retractions is rising, and it may be that researchers and journal editors are getting better at identifying and removing papers that are either fraudulent or plainly wrong, but it strongly suggests that the checks and balances are too often inadequate until problems are belatedly exposed. As for cultural issues, a 2012 survey by the British Medical Journal of more than 2,700 researchers found that 13% admitted knowledge of colleagues inappropriately adjusting, excluding, altering or fabricating data for the purpose of publication. Why are researchers tempted to fake results? Researchers may be tempted to falsify data for many reasons, such as to avoid losing funding. from www.shutterstock.com. The temptation for researchers to fake their results can take many forms. It can be financialto acquire money, to save money and to avoid losing money. It can be to advance ones career. It can also be a desire to attract or maintain kudos or esteem, a product of narcissism, and the expression of an excessive commitment to ambition or productivity. It can be to achieve ascendancy or retribution over a rival. Or it can be the product of anxiety about under-performance or associated with psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder. What all of these motives have in common is that their outcome is intellectual dishonesty that can have extremely serious repercussions. A difficulty is that research fraud is not difficult to perpetrate if premeditated. Peer review The check and balance of peer review in publication has, at best, a modest prospect of identifying such conduct. In peer review, the primary data are not made available to the reviewer. All that the reviewer can do is scrutinise the statistics, the research methodology and the plausibility of the interpretation of the data. If the fraud is undertaken professionally, and a studys results are modestly and sensibly expressed, the reviewer is highly unlikely to identify the problem. In 1830, the mathematician Charles Babbage classified scientific misconduct into hoaxing (making up results, but wanting the hoax at some stage to be discovered), forging (fabricating research outcomes), trimming (manipulating data) and cooking (unjustifiable selection of data). Experience over the past 20 years suggests that outright forging of results is the most successful mechanism employed by the academically unscrupulous, although those who engage in forging often also tend to engage in trimming, cooking and plagiarismtheir intellectual dishonesty tends to be expressed in more than one way. Removing temptations The challenges include how we can remove the temptations of such conduct. Part of the answer lies with clear articulation of proprieties within codes of conduct. But much more is required. A culture of openness in respect of data needs to be fostered. Supervision and collaboration need to be meaningful, rather than tokenistic. And there needs to be an environment that enables challenge to researchers methodologies and proprieties, whether by whistleblowers or others. Publishers, journal editors and the funders of scholarly research need to refashion the culture of scholarly publication to reduce the practice of gift authorship, whereby persons who have not really contributed to publications are named as authors. The issue here is that multiple authorship can cloud responsibility for scholarly contribution and blur responsibilities for oversight across institutions by ethics committees. Journals need to be encouraged to be prepared to publish negative results and critiques and analyses of the limitations of orthodoxies. When allegations are made, they must be investigated in a way that is going to command respect and confidence from all stakeholders. There is much to be said for the establishment of an external, government-funded Office of Scholarly Integrity. This could be based on the model of the US Office of Research Integrity, which is resourced and empowered to investigate allegations of scholarly misconduct objectively and thoroughly. Finally, there is a role for the criminal law to discourage grossly unethical conduct in research. Where founders are swindled of their grants, institutions are damaged by fraud and research conduct is brazenly faked, such conduct is so serious as to justify the intrusion of the criminal law to punish, deter and protect the good name of scholarly research. This is social issue of research fraud in govt.frauds there are many aspect include.Fraud in govt. explain by Baker Tilly is given below Fraud in Government: Â   Prevention and detection Have you ever heard the saying, Dont be that guy? Well in this case, Dont be that government. In a recent study,1 government and public administration was the second most likely industry to be impacted by fraud. A finding from that study showed the presence of anti-fraud controls is associated with reduced fraud losses and shorter fraud duration. Management and those charged with governance are responsible for ensuring these controls are in place. This article will explore common fraud schemes and provide prevention and detection controls that can be put in place to help mitigate fraud risk. What is fraud? Fraud is often defined as wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. The impact of fraud ranges from financial loss to declines in organizational performance, credibility, and public confidence. As a result, risk management strategies and internal control systems should be implemented, monitored, and modified as necessary by management and governing bodies. Who is responsible for fraud prevention? According to American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) auditing standards,2 the primary responsibility for prevention and detection of fraud rests with those charged with governance and management. There are a number of strategies3 to help management and public officials navigate the challenges associated with prevention and detection of fraud. Understand your organization and industry: Explore key drivers of revenue and related benchmarks, be active in the budget process and evaluate historical trends. Brainstorm with department heads, key members of management, external and internal auditors to identify fraud risks: Review material weaknesses, compliance findings, and control deficiencies related to the financial and single audits. Also consider decentralized operations. Examples of control weaknesses that contribute to fraud include: lack of internal controls, lack of management review, override of existing controls, poor tone at the top, and lack of competent personnel. Assess the tone at the top and the entitys culture: It is imperative that organizations set an appropriate tone at the top, one that demonstrates a commitment to honesty and ethical behavior. Create a whistleblower policy: Establishing a whistleblower hotline and/or policy is critical. History has shown that the initial detection of fraud most often occurs through a tip followed by management review, internal audit, or by accident. Understand the objective of a financial audit and a forensic audit: The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reports that less than 10% of frauds are discovered as a result of a financial audit conducted by an independent accounting firm. That is because a financial auditor is required to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. There is a risk that, even though an audit is properly planned, material misstatements may not be detected. Whereas, the objective of a forensic audit is to determine whether fraud has/is occurring and to determine who is responsible. While management and governing bodies are typically trusting, simple blind faith in a trusted employee alone is not sufficient. Management and governing bodies need to also verify what they are being told or shown. This begins by promoting an organizational culture of honesty and ethical behavior and includes spending time following through, holding others accountable, and asking probing questions. The simple tactic of verifying information can act as a deterrent, which could reduce the likelihood of fraud. What common fraud schemes look like and how to prevent/detect fraud Skimming. Money intended for the government that an individual takes for personal use. For example, cash receipts may never get entered into the system or they may be entered, but then voided/manipulated. This type of fraud is more likely to occur in unsupervised areas that lack controls over accepting cash. Limit unsupervised cash collection locations. For remaining unsupervised cash collection locations, implement procedures for reconciling receipts and ensure deposits are properly reviewed and supported. For all cash collections, track, reconcile, and review adjustments made to fees charged and collected, and analyze deposits over time to identify anomalies. Forgery or alterations. Includes checks, p-cards, vendor invoices, or employee payroll that are forged or altered. Be aware of a lack of security surrounding unwritten checks and signature stamps, little to no oversight or segregation of responsibilities, and the failure to account for all checks, wires, and electronic payments. Develop appropriate check processing and reconciliation procedures, and ensure the approval of disbursements includes accounting for the entire sequence of payments (checks, wires, electronic payments, etc.). Do not pre-sign checks. Require dual signatures. Finally, limit the number of bank accounts used by decentralized locations. Someone independent of check processing and distribution should reconcile all bank accounts. Unauthorized vendor distributions. Payments may be made to a fictitious vendor for goods never received or a legitimate vendor for personal goods. Vulnerable situations that allow for unauthorized vendor distributions occur in departments without effective oversight. Vulnerability may also stem from the lack of segregation between ordering, receiving, and approval functions. Create/update purchasing, procurement card, wire transfer, and vendor management policies. Purchasing policies should address limits and purchasing authority; as well as authorization for users, daily and transaction limits, and documentation requirements. When new vendors are created, limit access to select personnel who are not involved in the disbursement or approval process. Ensure all new vendors are appropriately reviewed and approved by a supervisor. Unauthorized payroll disbursements. This can include fictitious employees, unauthorized pay increases, or overtime. An inadequate review of employee timesheets or lack of reconciliation of payroll records to disbursements is another gateway to unauthorized disbursements. Enforce appropriate payroll process policies and controls. Similar to the creation of new vendors, creation of new employees or financial disbursements in the payroll system should be limited to select personnel who are not involved with the approval process. A supervisor should review new employees added to the system on a regular basis, and review of payroll or financial disbursements should be assigned to someone independent of the process.