For each of the four scenarios below, please write your answers in complete sentences and papers. You must type the assignment in Word. Clearly label each answer with the scenario number. You may use single spacing in your answers. These two scenarios are worth a total of 25 points.
Scenario 1
Your master’s thesis research project at a University is funded by a large Agrotech company. Your task is to investigate the success of a newly developed transgenic plant by comparing its yield and resistance to pests against non-transgenic strains of the same crop. Throughout your research, you find that there isn't a significant difference in yield or pest incidence between the transgenic and non-transgenic crops. The company explicitly states that your research cannot be published or presented at any scientific forum; otherwise, they will withdraw all funding from the department. Unfortunately, your department lacks a full research disclosure agreement with the Agrotech Company.
You're now invited to discuss your perspective with your advisor and the department head.
Scenario 2
You have worked hard on your Ph.D. research, but after several years your advisor urges you to get your results published. If you do not show any results, you will lose your support and will not be able to obtain your degree.
Half of your data fit the established model, the other half do not. This outcome may be due to your experimental setup, but you are not sure about the real cause. However, you do not have the time to redo all your experiments. The dataset as a whole cannot be published because of the conflicting results.
What should you do? Explain your position and justify your actions.