The Atlantic Out Loud The Fraudulent Science of Success
Dec 11, 2024
A shocking scandal reveals allegations of academic fraud at a prestigious business school. The conversation delves into the manipulation of research data and the pressures driving such misconduct. Hear the risks faced by junior academics who dare to expose fraud, alongside the legal and ethical challenges they encounter. The emotional fallout for researchers disillusioned by integrity issues highlights a critical need for transparency in academia. Throughout, the importance of empathy in addressing these systemic problems takes center stage.
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Schroeder's Crisis
- Juliana Schroeder, a UC Berkeley professor, faced a career crisis when her frequent research partner, Francesca Gino, was accused of fraud.
- Schroeder's seven co-authored papers with Gino were suddenly under suspicion.
Science of Success
- Business school psychology, focused on the science of success, is a highly influential field.
- These findings often appear in popular media but have questionable impact on actual business practices.
Incentives for Fraud
- Business school psychology offers significant financial rewards, with high salaries and consulting opportunities.
- This creates strong incentives for flashy findings, even if the research is not rigorous.