Most people, regardless of their profession, age, or background, would agree that honesty is one of the greatest qualities a person can possess. However, in the scientific field honesty is, not only desired, it is a necessity.
Science is a very ambiguous and doubt-ridden of study. Hence, it is necessary that the pioneers in this area adhere to a certain standard of ethics. In order to add credibility to their findings and their profession, scientists must be completely forth coming.
Honesty is not a measurable quality. This means that scientists must hold themselves to a certain standard of truthfulness. Not only is this beneficial to the public, it is also in the scientist's best interest to be honest. In many ways a scientist's worth is measured by his, credibility, therefore, it behooves him to act in a way that lends credibility to himself as well as his work.