Predicting self-reported research misconduct and questionable research practices in university students using an augmented Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

This study examined the utility of the Theory of Planned Behavior model, augmented by descriptive norms and justifications, for predicting self-reported research misconduct and questionable research practices in university students. A convenience sample of 205 research active Western Australian university students (47 male, 158 female, ages 18–53 years, M = 22, SD = 4.78) completed an online survey. There was a low level of engagement in research misconduct, with approximately one in seven students reporting data fabrication and one in eight data falsification. Path analysis and model testing in LISREL supported a parsimonious two step mediation model, providing good fit to the data. After controlling for social desirability, the effect of attitudes, subjective norms, descriptive norms and perceived behavioral control on student engagement in research misconduct and questionable research practices was mediated by justifications and then intention. This revised augmented model accounted for a substantial 40.8% of the variance in student engagement in research misconduct and questionable research practices, demonstrating its predictive utility. The model can be used to target interventions aimed at reducing student engagement in research misconduct and questionable research practices.

Students' Experiences of Undergraduate Dissertation Supervision

“…One participant reported "fishing" for significant results, aligning with recent research reporting that supervisors shape students' attitudes toward questionable research practices (Krishna and Peter, 2018). Student engagement in questionable research practices has also been documented earlier in the undergraduate degree (Rajah-Kanagasabai and Roberts, 2015), further highlighting the need for supervisors to clearly articulate best practices and demonstrate these in their own research. The primary purpose of the undergraduate dissertation is the research learning experience for the student, and potential publication needs to be viewed as a bonus rather than an expectation.…”

High school science fair and research integrity

“…Several studies have described scientific misconduct in relationship to undergraduate research, where getting the expected “right” answer in laboratory courses can become the driving factor for misbehavior [20–24]. Unlike the situation with undergraduates, only a single peer-reviewed study about misconduct in high school science fair has been published [17].…”

Questionable research practices in student final theses – Prevalence, attitudes, and the role of the supervisor’s perceived attitudes

“…Second, students’ attitudes towards the QRPs themselves should be predictive of whether they engage in such QRPs [ 51 ]. Their motivation to write their thesis should reduce QRP use, while their stress level should increase QRP use.…”

“…Third, students’ attitudes towards the meaning of statistically significant results should influence their QRP use indirectly via influencing their attitudes towards QRPs [ 51 ]. Furthermore, students’ beliefs about how their supervisors reward significant results should influence their QRP use directly and possibly indirectly via their attitudes towards QRPs.…”