Journal of Knowledge-Research Studies

What Do University Professors Know about Research Misconduct? A Causal-Comparative Study

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: The main purpose of the present study was to examine and compare university professors’ awareness of research misconduct.
Methodology: A descriptive causal-comparative design was employed. The study population consisted of all faculty members at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. A sample of 275 assistant, associate, and full professors participated and completed the Research Misconduct Scale (RMS).
Findings: Results indicated that faculty members with training in research 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.
Conclusion: The importance of institutionalizing training in research integrity within academic settings is emphasized. The lack of a significant difference among disciplines suggests that ethical awareness in research is more strongly influenced by experience and education than by disciplinary background. The findings further highlighted the greater sensitivity or more up-to-date awareness of assistant and associate professors toward research misconduct.
Value: This study examined and compared faculty members’ ability to identify research misconduct. The use of a scenario-based instrument (RMS) enhanced the validity of the results and enabled a more realistic assessment of participants’ knowledge of research misconduct.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References
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Journal of Knowledge-Research Studies
Volume 5, Issue 2 - Serial Number 16
July 2026
Pages 64-85
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