Protean uses of trust: A curious case of science hoaxes

Sabina Siebert, Stephanie Schreven

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    Abstract

    This article explores an intervention that practises the ‘art of deception’ in the context of biomedical publishing. Specifically, we explore the science hoax aimed at revealing problems in the peer review process. We pose a question – are science hoaxes based on deception ever justified? Drawing on interviews with biomedical scientists in the UK, we identify the issue of trust as the key element in the scientists’ evaluations of hoaxes. Hoaxes are seen by some to increase trust, and are seen by others to damage trust. Trust in science is thus a Protean concept: it can be used to argue two completely different, and sometimes contradictory, positions. In this case the same argument of trust was recognizably invoked to defend the hoaxes, and to argue against them.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAcademy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings
    EditorsGuclu Atinc
    PublisherAcademy of Management
    Volume2018
    Edition1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2018

    Publication series

    NameAcademy of Management Proceedings
    PublisherAcademy of Management
    ISSN (Print)0065-0668

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