What constitutes research misconduct?

Research misconduct is defined specifically by behaviors that compromise the integrity of the research process. Fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism are three key components that encapsulate what constitutes research misconduct.

Fabrication involves making up data or results and recording or reporting them as if they were real. Falsification refers to manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data that can lead to a misrepresentation of the research findings. Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work, ideas, or intellectual property without appropriate acknowledgment, effectively claiming it as one’s own. Together, these actions violate the ethical principles that underpin responsible research conduct.

The other options, such as conducting peer reviews, engaging in discussions about research methods, and creating research partnerships, typically reflect legitimate and constructive activities within the research community. They promote collaboration, transparency, and the sharing of knowledge—all essential to advancing science responsibly. In contrast, the actions categorized under research misconduct fundamentally undermine the trust and credibility necessary for scientific inquiry.