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Questionable Research Practices and Misconduct Among Norwegian Researchers
Matthias Kaiser1, Laura Drivdal2, Johs Hjellbrekke3
1Center for the Study of the Sciences and Humanities, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. Matthias.kaiser@uib.no.
Science and Engineering Ethics
|December 21, 2021
Summary
Research integrity in Norway reveals low fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism (FFP) rates (0.2-0.3%). However, 40% of researchers reported engaging in questionable research practices (QRPs), highlighting a significant concern in scientific conduct.
Area of Science:
- Scientific research ethics
- Norwegian research landscape
Background:
- The Research Integrity in Norway (RINO) project surveyed Norwegian researchers in 2018.
- Understanding the prevalence and attitudes towards research misconduct is crucial for maintaining scientific integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze survey data on the prevalence of fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism (FFP) and questionable research practices (QRPs) among Norwegian researchers.
- To compare attitudes towards and prevalence of FFP versus QRPs.
- To rank the perceived severity of FFP and QRPs within the research community.
Main Methods:
- National survey conducted in 2018.
- 31,206 questionnaires emailed to Norwegian researchers.
- 7,291 responses analyzed.
Main Results:
- Self-reported fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism (FFP) rates were low, between 0.2% and 0.3%.
- A significant 40% of researchers reported engaging in at least one questionable research practice (QRP) in the past three years.
- FFP is perceived as more severe than QRPs by the majority of Norwegian researchers.
Conclusions:
- While overt research misconduct (FFP) is infrequent, questionable research practices (QRPs) are prevalent among Norwegian researchers.
- A strong normative consensus exists, with FFP viewed as more serious than QRPs.
- Findings underscore the need to address both overt misconduct and the broader spectrum of questionable research practices to uphold research integrity.
Keywords:
Falsification, fabrication plagiarism (FFP)Questionable research practices (QRPs)Research integrityResearch misconductMore Related Videos
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