The Literature Review and Scientific Conduct: A Detailed Report

This report presents a literature review focusing on scientific conduct and ethical considerations within research. The report begins by clarifying the nature and purpose of a literature review, emphasizing its role in synthesizing existing knowledge and providing a foundation for research. The report then examines a case study involving He Jiankui, a Chinese scientist, who controversially modified the DNA of human embryos using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The ethical implications of this action are discussed, highlighting the concerns raised by other scientists and the lack of stringent regulations in the scientific field that facilitated such behavior. The report underscores the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to regulations in scientific research, emphasizing the need for responsible practices to prevent potential harm. The report concludes with a discussion of the key findings and implications for researchers and the scientific community.

1
Running head: RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC SKILLS
Research and Academic Skills
Student Name:
Student Number:
Affiliate Institution:

2
RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC SKILLS
A literature review is more than just a summary of the literature
I do not agree with the assertion that a literature review is more than an outline, this is
based on the fact that a literature review is not based on new knowledge but instead presents a
summary of what is already known about a topic. A literature review presents the findings of
other scholars and researchers about a matter of significance. The report is not an idea of an
individual about a topic but rather a summary of the ideas collected from various researchers and
their opinions about an item in question. A literature review places its focus on academic
literature. The key focus of a literature review, however, is the data that was collected by other
researchers and the associated theories. The report serves many functions within the research,
including offering a platform for the application of relevant knowledge within research (Maggio,
Sewell & Artino 2016).
Case of poor scientific, ethical conduct reported in the news
One of the unethical scientific behaviors reported includes the activities performed by
He Jiankui, who was a Chinese scientist. Mr. He Jiankui said that he had developed the first
genetically modified human beings. He had altered the DNA of twin babies be before they were
born. He led to the development of embryo’s that were designed to be resistant to HIV and
AIDS. Scientists used CRISPR-Cas9 to perform this. The scientists located both in China and in
the world who spoke about the activities performed by He Jiankui and stated that it was
unethical. Fellow scientists have been warned from following the same path. This behavior was
promoted by the fact that few rules and regulations controlled the activities of scientists and
researchers in the scientific field (Dyer 2019).

3
RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC SKILLS

4
RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC SKILLS
References
Maggio, L.A., Sewell, J.L. and Artino Jr, A.R., 2016. The literature review: a foundation for
high-quality medical education research. Journal of graduate medical education, 8(3),
pp.297-303.
Dyer, O., 2019. Creator of first gene edited babies faces “stern” punishment.