The chilling effect: how do researchers react to controversy?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Can political controversy have a "chilling effect" on the production of new science? This is a timely concern, given how often American politicians are accused of undermining science for political purposes. Yet little is known about how scientists react to these kinds of controversies.

Methods and findings

Drawing on interview (n = 30) and survey data (n = 82), this study examines the reactions of scientists whose National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded grants were implicated in a highly publicized political controversy. Critics charged that these grants were "a waste of taxpayer money." The NIH defended each grant and no funding was rescinded. Nevertheless, this study finds that many of the scientists whose grants were criticized now engage in self-censorship.

SUBMITTER: Kempner J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2586361 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature