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International Journal of Information Systems and Project Management

Abstract

Misconduct in science is often associated with data fabrication, data falsification, and plagiarism. However, other practices are far more frequent and prevalent. Questionable Research Practices (QRPs) are in the grey area between misconduct and responsible research conduct. The goal of this study was to investigate estimated and self-admission prevalence of engineering researchers' engagement in QRPs. We applied a survey through a questionnaire that used 10 QRPs identified in relevant literature. The questionnaire was adapted to include several categories: individual, research group, research center, and country. Results indicate that self-admission engagement in QRPs is generally higher than in similar studies. Also, respondents are more keen to estimate that others engage in QRPs than they or their research group do. Respondents admit engagement in all QRPs presented, such as failing to report all of a study´s dependent measures relevant to a finding, selectively reporting studies related to a specific finding that 'worked,' or even falsifying data. While some consider these practices unjustifiable, others justify them with publication and time pressures. More studies on the QRP engagement of engineering researchers are needed to get a more precise picture.

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