Why Do Scientists Commit Misconduct?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A range of possible reasons were posited: (1)

career and funding pressures

, (2) institutional failures of oversight, (3) commercial conflicts of interest, (4) inadequate training, (5) erosion of standards of mentoring, and (6) part of a larger pattern of social deviance.

Why is scientific misconduct important?

The consequences of scientific misconduct can

be damaging for perpetrators and journal audience

and for any individual who exposes it. In addition there are public health implications attached to the promotion of medical or other interventions based on false or fabricated research findings.

Why does scientific misconduct occur?

Research misconduct occurs when a

researcher fabricates or falsifies data

, or plagiarizes information or ideas within a research report. The misconduct must be committed intentionally, and the allegation must be proven by sufficient evidence.

How often does scientific misconduct occur?

Although not much is known about the prevalence of scientific misconduct, several studies with limited methods have estimated that the prevalence of scientists who have been involved in scientific misconduct ranges

from 1% to 2%.

What does scientific misconduct include?

Research misconduct means fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. (d) Research misconduct

does not include honest error or differences of opinion

. …

What can be done to prevent scientific misconduct?

The best way to prevent research misconduct is to

become aware of best practices in the Responsible Conduct of Research

. Consultation with senior research colleagues, as well as School and campus leaders, are invaluable resources. In addition, there is a variety of training and educational materials available online.

What is the most common form of research misconduct?


Plagiarism

is, perhaps, the most common form of research misconduct. Researchers must be aware to cite all sources and take careful notes. Using or representing the work of others as your own work constitutes plagiarism, even if committed unintentionally.

Why is research misconduct harmful?

The consequences that research misconduct can have are considerable and potentially disastrous. For one, misconduct

can irreparably erode trust among colleagues

. It can erode trust between researchers and funding agencies, which may make it more difficult for colleagues at the same institution to receive grants.

How common is research misconduct?

The perception among many scientists is that cases of severe misconduct are

relatively rare

when held up against the sheer amount of scientific output. … In the study, one per cent of scientists surveyed admitted to fabricating or falsifying their own data at least once in their career.

What is considered research misconduct?

Research misconduct is defined as

fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research

, or in reporting research results, according to 42 CFR Part 93 . IMPORTANT: Research misconduct does NOT include honest error or differences of opinion.

Is misconduct in scientific research a major problem?

Within the scientific community, the effects of misconduct—in terms of lost time,

damaged reputations

, and feelings of personal betrayal—can be devastating. Individuals, institutions, and even entire research fields can suffer grievous setbacks from instances of fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

What happens if research is unethical?

If you are found to have breached ethical standards, your

research may be deemed void and subsequently retracted

. … Also, consider that any action or omission that could make your research be considered unethical is also likely to affect the reliability or validity of the data or even both.

What is scientific misconduct by Hendrik Schön?

The panel’s report, released yesterday, concludes that Jan Hendrik Schön duplicated, falsified and destroyed data. He showed, says the report, “

a reckless disregard for the sanctity of data in the value system of science

“. … Many scientists were unable to reproduce Schön’s results.

What is an example of research misconduct?

According to The Office of Research Integrity (ORI), research misconduct means

fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results

. Fabrication is making up data or results and recording or reporting them.

Which of the following are examples of scientific misconduct?


Making up data or results

(fabrication), changing or misreporting data or results (falsification), and using the ideas or words of another person without giving appropriate credit (plagiarism)—all strike at the heart of the values on which science is based.

Who investigates research misconduct?


Research institutions

will notify the funding agency (or agencies in some cases) of an allegation of research misconduct if (1) the allegation involves Federally funded research (or an application for Federal funding) and meets the Federal definition of research misconduct given above, and (2) if the institution’s …

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.