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Causal factors implicated in research misconduct: evidence from ORI case files
Mark S Davis1, Michelle Riske-Morris, Sebastian R Diaz
1Criminal Justice Research Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. davis.198@sociology.osu.edu
Science and Engineering Ethics
|November 27, 2007
Summary
Research misconduct stems from personal stressors, organizational issues, and individual factors. Understanding these causes can inform policies to prevent scientific misconduct.
Area of Science:
- Scientific integrity and research ethics
- Social sciences in research
Background:
- Empirical research on the causes of research misconduct is limited.
- The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) case files provide a data source for this investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically investigate the underlying causes of research misconduct.
- To identify key factors contributing to research integrity violations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of statements extracted from closed ORI case files.
- Categorization of statements into 44 concepts.
- Application of multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis.
Main Results:
- Identification of seven distinct clusters of factors contributing to misconduct:
- 1. Personal and professional stressors
- 2. Organizational climate
- 3. Job insecurities
- 4. Rationalizations A
- 5. Personal inhibitions
- 6. Rationalizations B
- 7. Personality factors.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the multifactorial nature of research misconduct.
- Implications for developing targeted policies and future research directions are discussed.
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