In order to discredit the then-novel approach of cultural studies, physicist Alan Sokal proposes a new "emancipatory mathematics" and a "transformative hermeneutics of quantum gravity" in the journal Social Text, then exposes his own article as a hoax after publication, leading to great controversy.

Sociologist Sudhir Venkatesh studied gangs, drugs, and crime in one of Chicago's most dangerous housing projects by joining the gang The Black Kings, and eventually (temporarily) leading it.  His research materials allegedly included drug dealing records left with him in order to prevent their capture by the police.