CITI RESPONSIBLE
CONDUCT OF RESEARCH
RCR PRACTICE TEST
COMPLETE 60 QUESTIONS
Question 1: Which statement best describes responsible conduct of research?
Choices:
1) Conducting research with integrity by applying professional norms and ethical principles throughout the research process 2) Following only the minimum legal requirements that apply to a project 3) Avoiding publication until all �ndings are certain 4) Delegating ethical decisions to the institution's compliance o�ce Correct Answer: Conducting research with integrity by applying professional norms and ethical principles throughout the research process Explanation: Responsible conduct of research means practicing research with integrity and applying established professional norms and ethical principles to activities such as study design, data handling, collaboration, publication, and oversight.Page 1
Question 2: A laboratory receives grant funds that can support several technically valid approaches. Which choice best re�ects responsible stewardship?
Choices:
1) Use the most expensive approach because all grant funds should be spent 2) Select methods and expenditures that responsibly advance the approved research aims while complying with sponsor and institutional requirements 3) Use grant funds for any laboratory need as long as the principal investigator approves 4) Delay all purchases until the �nal month of the award Correct Answer: Select methods and expenditures that responsibly advance the approved research aims while complying with sponsor and institutional requirements Explanation: Stewardship requires researchers to use research resources ethically and for their intended purposes. Costs and methods should support the approved work and comply with applicable sponsor and institutional rules.
Question 3: An NIH-supported trainee completes an online RCR course. Under
current NIH guidance, what is generally true about meeting the broader NIH RCR instruction requirement?
Choices:
1) Online instruction alone is generally su�cient for every NIH-supported training program 2) RCR instruction is optional if the trainee has prior research experience 3) Substantive discussion-based instruction and faculty participation are expected; online training may supplement but usually does not replace the broader requirement 4) Only a written �nal examination is required Correct Answer: Substantive discussion-based instruction and faculty participation are expected; online training may supplement but usually does not replace the broader requirement Page 2
Explanation: NIH guidance expects discussion-based RCR instruction with meaningful faculty participation. Online coursework can be a useful component, but it is generally not adequate as the sole format except in limited circumstances.Question 4: Which topic was speci�cally emphasized in updated NIH guidance as part of a responsible research environment?
Choices:
1) Maximizing the number of publications from each project 2) Requiring all data to be publicly released immediately 3) Limiting mentorship to a single senior investigator 4) Maintaining a research environment free of discriminatory harassment and other unsafe practices Correct Answer: Maintaining a research environment free of discriminatory harassment and other unsafe practices Explanation: Updated NIH RCR guidance explicitly highlights safe research environments, including environments free of sexual, racial, ethnic, disability, and other forms of discriminatory harassment.Question 5: A graduate researcher encounters an ethical issue that is not clearly addressed in a laboratory manual. What is the most responsible �rst approach?
Choices:
1) Consult relevant institutional policies and appropriate knowledgeable resources such as a mentor, research integrity o�cer, or compliance o�ce 2) Ignore the issue unless a regulator asks about it 3) Make the decision privately and avoid documenting it 4) Post the details publicly to obtain outside opinions Page 3