Abstract
There has been relatively little empirical research into the causes of research misconduct. To begin to address this void, the authors collected data from closed case files of the Office of Research Integrity (ORI). These data were in the form of statements extracted from ORI file documents including transcripts, investigative reports, witness statements, and correspondence. Researchers assigned these statements to 44 different concepts. These concepts were then analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. The authors chose a solution consisting of seven clusters: (1) personal and professional stressors, (2) organizational climate, (3) job insecurities, (4) rationalizations A, (5) personal inhibitions, (6) rationalizations B and, (7) personality factors. The authors discuss the implications of their findings for policy and for future research.
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Notes
This information included fact-finding procedures, hearings, testimony, counter-allegations, evidence, the authority and manner of decision making, and appeal procedures.
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Acknowledgements
This research was supported by a contract awarded to Justice Research & Advocacy, Inc. by the Office of Research Integrity. The findings and conclusions reported herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Office of Research Integrity, the Office of Public Health and Science, or the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The authors would like to thank the editor and two anonymous reviewers for numerous helpful comments and suggestions.
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An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11948-008-9070-9
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Davis, M.S., Riske-Morris, M. & Diaz, S.R. Causal Factors Implicated in Research Misconduct: Evidence from ORI Case Files. Sci Eng Ethics 13, 395–414 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-007-9045-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-007-9045-2