From Scholarship to Practice: Standardizing Calls to Action in Neuroethics

Area of Science:

• Neuroethics
• Neuroscience
• Central Nervous System Health

Background:

• Neuroethics seeks to provide guidance for professionals on brain health and central nervous system conditions.
• Calls to action within neuroethics are informed by theory and empirical research, carrying varying degrees of normative influence.
• Understanding these calls to action is crucial for effective application in practice and policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the variability in calls to action within foundational neuroethics literature.
• To examine how terminology, definitions, origins, text location, and audience impact the interpretation of these calls.
• To identify areas for improved consistency to enhance the field's credibility and impact.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of articles from key neuroethics journals (AJOB Neuroscience, Neuroethics).
• Analysis focused on specific elements associated with calls to action: terminology, definitions, benchmarking origins, textual location, and target audience.
• Comparative analysis to identify patterns and inconsistencies across the selected literature.

Main Results:

• Significant variability was found in terminology, definitions, and other factors associated with calls to action across foundational neuroethics journals.
• Inconsistencies were observed in how calls to action are presented, including their origins and intended recipients.
• Lack of standardization potentially impacts the clarity and actionable nature of neuroethical recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Inconsistent language and definitions in neuroethics literature may impede the credibility and implementation of its recommendations.
• Greater consistency in terminology and framing of calls to action is recommended to improve acceptance and uptake.
• Standardization efforts are vital for advancing the practical application of neuroethics in science, healthcare, and policy.