What can happen if ethical guidelines are not followed in research?

When ethical guidelines are not adhered to in research, significant consequences can arise, including legal repercussions and loss of credibility. Ethical guidelines serve to ensure the integrity, reliability, and overall validity of research findings. When researchers violate these guidelines, they can face serious legal consequences, such as lawsuits or sanctions from regulatory bodies. Additionally, the loss of credibility can hinder a researcher's reputation, making it difficult to gain funding, publish work, or collaborate with others in the field. These repercussions not only affect the individual researcher but can also damage the trustworthiness of their institution and the broader research community.

The other potential outcomes, such as increased public trust, improved research outcomes, or more collaborations with leading researchers, are all typically dependent on adherence to ethical guidelines. When ethics are compromised, public trust diminishes, research outcomes may become suspect, and collaboration opportunities can dry up as others may be hesitant to associate with a researcher or institution that has a reputation for unethical practices.