It is intended that the study will follow the code of practice developed by
sociologist of science Harry Collins for use in his Gravitational Wave
Project .
Collins' text is reproduced here verbatim. Some changes may need to be made
as this study progresses to adapt Collins' code of practice to the circumstances
of this project.
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR INTERVIEWS (H. M. COLLINS'S GW PROJECT)
All quotations used in publications relating to the first period of
fieldwork were anonymised (except where I was asked to attribute them). For
the more recent fieldwork I have followed and will continue to follow this
code of practice.
UNATTRIBUTED QUOTATIONS
In general quotations are unattributed. On occasions, even when quotations
are anonymous, insiders can guess the author because they know the style or
the substance. Often this does not matter because insiders already know
speakers' positions in the debate. If there are grounds for concern the paper
is sent to the person quoted prior to publication.
ATTRIBUTED QUOTATIONS
No attributed quotation is ever published without a request for permission
from the speaker.
NOTE ADDED AUTUMN 2002:
The expectation is that respondents will check each quotation for
accuracy. It is not expected that respondents will withdraw permission for the
use of attributed quotations en masse because they do not agree with the
analysis. Use of such a veto in order to influence the analysis threatens the
scientific independence of the project.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Both of the above are subsumed under the general promise of
`confidentiality'. Confidentiality means `acting honourably when trusted with
a confidence.' It means never using information in such a way as to embarrass
the person who has provided it. To put this into practice, anything
potentially embarrassing is checked with the person being discussed, and/or
the person being quoted, or a third party. Likewise nothing is mentioned that
could be potentially hurtful unless it is an integral part of the historical
or sociological theme. Again, the advice of others is sought when there is
doubt.
RESPONSIBILITY OF RESPONDENTS
If no response to a request for permission has been received within a
month, it is taken that no problem has been encountered and that any
permission requested has been granted. [Usually, requests are made by email.
They are usually repeated and every effort is made to ensure the address is
current.]
EXPERIENCE SO FAR
The above arrangements have been followed in respect of recent publications
and potential publications. Some changes have been made as a result but no
serious problems have been encountered (except for one recent incident which
has led to me to include the italicised note above).