Expert suggests models to tackle research misconduct

A researcher at Hosmat Hospital in Bangalore has proposed ways to prevent misconduct, like plagiarism and martialling unsubstantiated facts in research papers.

In a research publication, Dr Malhar N Kumar lays emphasis on a system that keeps a tab on research activities from the initial stages to prevent misconduct, rather than dealing with it after research is published.

“At present, incidents of misconduct are detected only after a research paper is published,” Dr Kumar said. “We need to look at prevention of such incidents.”

Hence, the researcher has suggested various theoretical models, based on models proposed by scientists Weed and Reason in the West, to check such misconduct. “Science policing should not be limited to retrospective dissection of episodes of reported misconduct. A proactive method aimed at prevention should also become a part of the process,” he said.

At present, research misconduct investigations hold an individual responsible for lack of care or ethics. “The institution (that supported the research) tries to distance itself from the actions of individuals to escape blame,” he said.

The researcher has proposed a model that prompts authorities to maintain stricter vigil over research and deters them from colluding with erring researchers in covering up any misconduct. The model also suggests checking of research work for plagiarism or fraud before it is published.

In another model, the author has suggested routine audit of research activities. The auditors should be independent from academic institutions and government agencies, the study said. “The goal of auditing would be best served if it is done before a research is published,” it said.

In yet another model, which focuses on primary-level checks, the author said researchers should be educated in ethics. This way, the researchers would learn from the mistakes of others and avoid making them. Education on research ethics should be introduced as soon as a researcher starts his or her career and reinforcements of the ethical aspects should continue at regular intervals throughout the careers of researchers, Kumar said.