The APA encourages those within the field to work together, share research, and seek input from each other. Sharing resources, supplies, and knowledge is beneficial to the field as a whole.
In qualitative research, issues often arise concerning conflicts of interest. For example, a researcher faces a situation in which honest reporting of findings may result in loss of profit. In such situations, researchers are encouraged to report conflicts so that an outside, objective source can oversee the research and ensure the integrity of the research remains intact.
The APA participates in archiving of research and managing it in a way that makes relevant previous research available to those who need it. The APA encourages sharing of data and provides a means of doing so.
Although the ability to research humans is imperative to advance knowledge in sciences related to humans, the APA recognizes the importance of ethical research regarding humans. The APA supports all state and federal guidelines for human research stemming from the publication of Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research (also known as the Belmont Report).
The APA recognizes the need for lab animal use in research but also encourages responsible research practices. The APA's Committee on Animal Research and Ethics asks researchers to use methods that reduce or eliminate pain or stress to a lab animal whenever possible.
The APA regards mentoring as a crucial element of a researcher's responsibility. It is important to share knowledge with less experienced colleagues and to prepare trainees for research later in their careers.
Researchers are expected to engage in peer review. Peer review is considered a crucial responsibility of a researcher, and expectations for honesty and impartiality are high.
Upon completion of research, the APA expects researchers to fully and responsibly report their findings to others through publication. Accurate data, correct authorship credit, and full disclosure of research are encouraged and expected of researchers' publications.
Although all researchers are encouraged to act with integrity and honesty, it is imperative that all institutions have regulations, policies and procedures that address misconduct in research. All organizations are expected to report misconduct to the Office of Research Integrity (ORI).