Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of English Language Teaching, Farhangian University, Ahvaz,Iran
2 Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract
Purpose: One of the major challenges undermining the scientific credibility of universities and the validity of research findings is the growing prevalence of research misconduct . The main purpose of the present study was to assess and compare the university professors’ awareness of research misconduct.
Methodology: A descriptive causal-comparative research design was utilized. The study population consisted of all faculty members at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. A sample of 275 assistant –to- full professors participated in the study and completed the Research Misconduct Scale (RMS).
Findings: Results showed that faculty members with training in academic integrity performed considerably better in identifying research misconduct compared to their colleagues without such training. There was no significant difference between faculty members in various disciplines (Humanities and non-Humanities) in terms of their ability to identify research misconduct. Analyses also revealed that assistant and associate professors outperformed full professors in this regard.
Discussion and Conclusion: The importance of institutionalizing training in research integrity in academic settings is noted. Lack of a significant difference among disciplines suggests that ethical awareness in research is influenced more by experience and education than by disciplinary fields. The findings highlighted greater sensitivity or more up-to-date awareness of assistant and associate professors toward research misconduct.
Value: This study examined and compared the faculty members’ ability to identify research misconduct. The use of a scenario-based tool (RMS) enhanced the validity of the results and allowed for a more realistic assessment of the participants’ knowledge of research misconduct.
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