Research Misconduct
Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism that is committed intentionally, knowingly, or with reckless disregard for the integrity of the research and is proven by a preponderance of evidence to have occurred. Research misconduct can occur in research records, reports, grant submissions, publications, and other scholarly works.
Research misconduct does not include honest errors or differences of opinion, including, but not limited to, differences in interpretations or judgments of data and differences in personal, political, moral, ethical, or professional opinions.
More Specifically,
- Fabrication is making up data or results and recording or reporting them.
- Falsification is manipulating research or scholarly materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research or scholarship is not accurately represented in the research or scholarly record.
- Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit. Plagiarism does not include disputes between co-authors or collaborators regarding who should properly receive credit unless one of the co-authors or collaborators is a UTSA student.
All persons who are engaged in or support research or scholarship at UTSA have an affirmative duty to ensure the integrity of such research or scholarship and act in Good Faith in all matters associated with it. They are encouraged to report allegations of research or scholarly misconduct and instances of retaliation against those who, in good faith, report allegations or cooperate with or participate in such investigative processes or related proceedings.
Resources
Reports of alleged misconduct may be made on an informal (oral) basis. Reasonable efforts will be made to review and resolve informal reports of alleged misconduct; however, such reports will not be processed through the procedures set out in this policy unless they are subsequently submitted in writing or confirmed separately through available evidence.
Reports of alleged misconduct may also be made on a formal (written) basis. Formal Allegations should be submitted in sufficient detail to permit a preliminary inquiry into whether an investigation is warranted.
If you have concerns regarding potential research misconduct:
- Contact the Research Integrity Officer (RIO), Melinda Cotten, at Melinda.Cotten@utsa.edu, or
- Contact the UTSA Fraud and Abuse Hotline (https://www.reportlineweb.com/UTSA), or
- Contact the UTSA Anonymous Report Hotline at (877) 270-5051
Click here to review the HOP 10.02 policy – Misconduct in Research or in Other Scholarly Activities.
Click here to review the Appendix to HOP 10.02 policy. The Appendix consists of a detailed table that is subdivided into each of the potential phases or stages in a Misconduct Proceeding and that briefly describes the key actions, deadlines, decisions and some of the roles, rights and responsibilities of key players in each such stage or phase.
The Research Integrity Officer can meet with you in an informal, advisory session to answer your questions about ethical research issues such as professional conduct, industry relationships, participant selection, data management, navigating collaborations, and publication practices. The RIO can provide information for you, seek out information on your behalf, or connect you to a seasoned colleague for a discreet discussion. Regardless of the topic, the RIO is your resource to resolve research-related ethics issues. Email UTSAIntegrity@utsa.edu for a consultation.