Abstract
Background: Research on research integrity has tended to focus on frequency of research misconduct and factors that might induce someone to commit research misconduct. A definitive answer to the first question has been elusive, but it remains clear that research misconduct occurs too often. Answers to the second question are so diverse, it might be productive to ask a different question: What about how research is done allows research misconduct to occur?
A useful paper reflecting on the interaction between research practice and research misconduct. Institutions need to resource and encourage constructive research practice, not obsess about warning of the perils of poor practice.
Results: Twenty-four (24) of the respondents (39% response rate) indicated they had dealt with at least one finding of research misconduct and answered the survey questions. Over half of these RIOs reported that their case of research misconduct had occurred in an environment in which at least nine of the ten listed good practices of research were deficient.
Conclusions: These results are not evidence for a causal effect of poor practices, but it is noteworthy that good research practices such as those listed would make it more difficult if not impossible for someone in such an environment to commit research misconduct.
KEYWORDS
Good Practices of Research, Responsible Conduct of Research, Research Integrity Officer, Research Misconduct
Kalichman, M. (2020) Research practices and research misconduct, 18 August 2020, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square Publisher (Creative Commons): https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-58772/v1
