Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You discuss your project with the other scientist.
This is the real-life decision that Michael Steinitz made. "I chose openness," Steinitz says. "I believe this is an important attitude in science."
Steinitz called his competitor on the telephone and told him of his research method for the project. Steinitz asked the other scientist how far he had advanced on his project.
During the conversation, they discovered they were using different methods in their research. The conversation also sparked a friendly competition between them.
"We agreed that when we hung up the telephone, it would be the 'starting gun' for the race," he says.
Steinitz won the race. And after he reported his results at a scientific meeting, the other scientist made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
"My competitor graciously invited me to complete the work in the marvelously well-equipped facilities offered by his company," he says.