What Research Institutions Can Do to Foster Research Integrity

Area of Science:

• Research Integrity
• Scientific Ethics
• Publication Ethics

Background:

• Research integrity initiatives often arise after high-profile misconduct cases.
• Questionable research practices (QRPs) pose a greater threat due to their high prevalence.
• QRPs can artificially inflate the excitement, positivity, and statistical significance of study results, making them appealing to researchers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the pervasive harm of QRPs compared to overt misconduct.
• To emphasize the responsibility of research institutions in guiding researchers away from QRPs.
• To advocate for evidence-based policies in research integrity.

Main Methods:

• This study is a conceptual analysis and synthesis of existing literature and expert consensus on research integrity and QRPs.
• It examines the common characteristics and motivations behind QRPs.
• It reviews the role of institutional policies and incentive structures in fostering or hindering research integrity.

Main Results:

• QRPs are more damaging than isolated misconduct due to their widespread nature.
• Researchers face universal dilemmas that can lead to QRPs.
• Incentive structures in academic advancement can inadvertently promote QRPs.

Conclusions:

• Research institutions must develop Research Integrity Promotion Plans to educate and support researchers in avoiding QRPs.
• Policies addressing QRPs should focus on mitigating perverse incentives in researcher assessment.
• Collaboration among institutions, funding agencies, and journals is crucial for evidence-based research integrity policies and preventing QRPs.