What does falsification in research involve?

Falsification in research is a serious ethical violation that refers to the act of manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes in such a way that the research outcomes are misrepresented. This can include altering or fabricating data, selectively reporting results, or using improper methods to achieve desired results. The integrity of research is paramount, and falsification undermines the credibility of findings and the trust within the scientific community.

Falsification not only affects the validity of the research itself but can also have broader implications, such as leading to misguided conclusions that may influence public policy or clinical practices. Thus, recognizing and avoiding falsification is essential for maintaining responsible conduct in research.

The other options do not reflect the concept of falsification. Proper data analysis techniques and documenting research procedures emphasize integrity and transparency in conducting research, while creating a literature review is part of establishing a foundation for research but does not relate to the manipulation of data or findings.