Social and Behavioral Research

Social and Behavioral Research

1. Research Misconduct

   • Plagiarism
     • "Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit" (OSTP 2000).
   • Fabrication
     • "Fabrication is making up data or results and recording or reporting them" (OSTP 2000).
   • Falsification
     • "Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record" (OSTP 2000).
   • Questionable Research Practices
     • Examples of QRPs include failing to disclose negative outcomes or stopping research prematurely if a preferred outcome seems to have been achieved. Other examples of QRPs include inappropriate research design and using a flawed statistical analysis to support a hypothesis. Other behaviors that affect research integrity include ignoring or circumventing organizational policies and not properly disclosing conflicts of interest (Martinson et al. 2005).
   • Noncompliance
     • In this context, noncompliance typically refers to conducting research in a manner that disregards or violates federal regulations or organizational policies. 

2. Data Management

   • Categorizing Data Issues
     • Methodological
       • Methodological issues are those associated with ensuring that a research study is well-designed with respect to statistical analysis
     • Technological
       • Technological issues are concerned with use of the available tools and processes for managing information throughout the lifecycle of a research project. 
     • Ethical, legal-regulatory, professional, and organizational policy
       • Ethical, legal-regulatory, professional, and organizational policy issues refer to what is required, recommended, discouraged, or prohibited by organizations that have oversight over research activities.