Typical complaints: ReportingThe problemA client issues a press release announcing the results of a research project conducted by a researcher. However, the press release does not accurately reflect the findings of the research. For example, the press release may say there is overwhelming support for a particular proposal, but an examination of the research findings shows a bare majority support. This kind of reporting can draw a large number of complaints particularly if the research is on a local planning or political matter. How it can be avoidedThe researcher and the client should put in place a system for checking and approving any publicly released results relating to the research prior to their release. This should be included in the written contract concluded between the parties. Applicable RulesB49 Members must ensure that research conclusions disseminated by them are clearly and adequately supported by the data. B50 Members must comply with reasonable requests to make available to anyone the technical information necessary to assess the validity of any published findings from a research project. B51 Members must ensure that their names, or those of their employer, are only used in connection with any research project as an assurance that the latter has been carried out in conformity with the Code if they are satisfied on reasonable grounds that the project has in all respects met the Code’s requirements. B52 Members must allow clients to arrange checks on the quality of fieldwork and data preparation provided that the client pays any additional costs involved in this. B53 Members must provide clients with sufficient technical details to enable clients to assess the validity of results of research projects carried out on their behalf. B54 Members must ensure that data tables include sufficient technical information to enable reasonable interpretation of the validity of the results. B55 Members must ensure that reports include sufficient information to enable reasonable interpretation of the validity of the results. B56 Members must ensure that reports and presentations clearly distinguish between facts and interpretation. B57 Members must ensure that when interpreting data they make clear which data they are using to support their interpretation. B58 Members must ensure that qualitative reports and presentations accurately reflect the findings of the research in addition to the research practitioner’s interpretations and conclusions. B59 Members must take reasonable steps to check and where necessary amend any client -prepared materials prior to publication to ensure that the published research results will not be incorrectly or misleadingly reported. B60 Members must take reasonable steps to ensure that findings from a research project published by themselves or in their employer’s name are not incorrectly or misleadingly presented. B61 If members are aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, that findings from a research project have been incorrectly or misleadingly reported by a client he/she must at the earliest opportunity:
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